A J. H. Steward Labbez Pocket Telemeter Range Finder, dating from c.1893. Complete with its original instructions manual, and a handwritten note on its use, issued by J. H. Steward. The Labbez Telemeter Range Finder appeared in several J. H. Steward catalogues at the end of the 19th century, including the 1893, 1896 and 1899 editions. By 1899 more than 800 Labbez Telemeters had been sold by J. H. Steward, 'to officers of the British and Indian Army and Volunteers. In most instances this has been after two minutes instruction and a single trial by the purchaser from a position overlooking the river, within two minutes walk of this establishment'. This commercial success continued into the early years of the 20th century, with improved versions of the Telemeter still in use during the First World War.
This type of Telemeter Range Finder was originally intended to give accurate ranges of objects for musketry and reconnaissance work. The Steward catalogue for 1899 stated that the instrument had proved invaluable in 'a rapid and successful survey in Asia Minor, where the lakes, craters of volcanoes, and special topographical features were noted, the distances in each case being taken with this telemeter; also during the recent (1898) Soudan Expedition, when the Nile was mapped by a Special Service officer. Its use for ranging machine guns and directing infantry fire has also been emphasised at various times by officers on active service'. Lt-Colonel Willoughby Verner, inventor of the celebrated Verner Service Compass, tested the Telemeter and was very satisfied with its performance, as were many other officers, including the O.C. Commanding the 1st Bengal Infantry, who stated that 'I have the pleasure to inform you that I have put the Labbez Telemeters to a trial, and am very pleased with them, as they are simple and accurate'.
The instrument has a tubular 'bronzed' or blackened brass case, containing the prism and other rangefinder elements. The case is inscribed: 'Labbez Telemeter, Sole Agents J. H. Steward, 406 Strand, London', and has the serial number '389'. As Steward had sold 800 of these instruments by 1899, it seems likely that this one dates from several years earlier. It comes complete with its original brass bobbin and reel of string which was used for measuring base lines. The Telemeter fits inside the bobbin for transport, and this then fits into a compartment in the leather case. Various optional accessories could be added to the basic Telemeter, including a telescope attachment for use with more distant objects.
It is very unsual indeed to find a Telemeter which still has its original instruction manual and its fitted leather case, rarer still to have a handwritten note on J. H. Steward stationery.
J. H. Steward: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business in London until 1973. The main London office was sold in 1971, and from 1971-1973 the company rented premises in Catherine Street. All the remaining stock and long serving staff member George Goble (c.1916-1975) were moved to Catherine Street. The business finally moved to 154a Church Road, Hove, Sussex in 1973, before finally ceasing trading in 1975.
Condition:
In very good condition, and full working order, with minor signs of wear and use. The leather case is in very good condition. The original instruction manual is in good condition.
Dimensions:
Telemeter: 40mm x 70mm,
Leather case: 55mm x 75mm x 90mm
