December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2022
World War II era C.L. Berger & Sons surveyor in transit case marked to the 652nd Engineer Battalion. Berger described the tool as an Engineers' Tilting Dumpy Level Model No. 10-X, noting that it was a "Wartime Development to simplify and expedite Peacetime Engineering Procedure." The Dump Level was revolutionary for the time because it was speedy, accurate, simplified, and could be used at night. This example is painted tan and is marked "C.L. Berger & Sons. / Boston Mass. / ML1409". The case is missing the original specification plate which was pried off. The surveyor is complete with extra components including a spare level and bulbs, with a cleaning brush and other tools contained in the case, all of which are painted tan. The case is marked "652nd Engr. Bn / Survey / ML-1409" on the lid with yellow paint. The 652nd Engineer (Topographical) Battalion was an active engineer battalion in the European Theater and was tasked with making maps. During the Battle of the Bulge they were on the Main Supply Route between Verdun and Metz. CONDITION: The surveyor exhibits scattered blemishes but retains most of its original paint. Optics are slightly clouded. Case retains some of its original green paint with nice lettering. Closing hooks in place, as well as original leather strap which was shortened. Key is present in case. A nice surveyor identified to an engineer battalion.
Item Dimensions: 11 - 1/2" X 8 - 1/2" X 8 - 1/2"