1898 K&E Keuffel & Esser Stadimeter Spanish American War Era Rangefinder

Early Keuffel & Esser Co. stadimeter / optical range-finding instrument in its original fitted wooden case.

(i also have a WWW1 serial number 12 see my listings)

Conflict: Spanish-American War Era

Original/Reproduction: Original

Theme: Militaria / Naval / Maritime

Region of Origin: United States

Maker: Keuffel & Esser Co.

Date: 1898

Object Type: Stadimeter / Optical Rangefinder

Material: Brass, metal, glass, wood

Condition: Used antique condition

The instruction sheet inside the lid is titled:

“Adjustments of STADIMETER”
“Made by Keuffel & Esser Co., New York”

The upper left of the printed instruction sheet is dated 1898.

A stadimeter is a naval / marine optical range-finding instrument used to estimate the distance to a ship or object of known height. This example dates to the Spanish-American War era and is an early form of this type of marine optical instrument.

Details:

Maker / label: Keuffel & Esser Co., New York
Object: Stadimeter / optical rangefinder
Period: 1898 / Spanish-American War era
Case: Original fitted wooden case
Interior: Original printed adjustment label
Materials: Brass, blackened metal, glass, wood, felt/fitted blocks
Approximate case size: about 12 inches wide x 7 inches high/deep, as shown with ruler

The case retains the fitted wooden blocks and green felt-lined supports. The instrument has a brass screw/micrometer mechanism, optical elements, sighting pieces, and related parts as shown in the photos.

Condition:

Antique used condition as shown. The instrument and case show age, oxidation, surface wear, scratches, patina, dust, old finish wear, and general signs of use and storage. The printed instruction label has toning, staining, edge wear, and age discoloration but remains readable. The wooden case has wear, scuffs, finish loss, and age-related marks. The brass optical tube / accessory piece shown has surface oxidation and wear. I have not tested the instrument for accuracy, calibration, or working precision.

Sold as an antique collectible marine / naval / scientific instrument, exactly as shown in the photos.

Provenance note:

Purchased by me at the Herreshoff Marine Museum boating/garage sale in Bristol, Rhode Island. No museum paperwork, certificate, vessel attribution, yacht attribution, or America’s Cup attribution is included or claimed.

A very interesting early Keuffel & Esser stadimeter with 1898-dated instructions, original fitted case, and strong naval / maritime / scientific instrument appeal.