Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2007.27.08
- Made by: The Topley Company, Ottawa, Canada
- Model: Unknown
- Serial Number: No 8070
- Date Made: Early 20th Century
- Approximate size: 51 mm diameter
- Accessories: Leather case
- Condition: Fair
Commentary:
An inscription on the face of the altimeter reads “No 8070”, “Compensated”, “The Topley Company Ottawa, Canada” and “D.L.S.” Special. “No 8070” is probably the serial number. “D.L.S.” Special indicates that it was made for Dominion Land Surveyors working on the Dominion Land Survey System. The dial is graduated in inches of mercury from 23 to 31 inches and in altitude from 0 to 8000 feet. It comes in a leather case. The name R.H. Johnson is written inside the case. Robert Henry Johnson received his D.L.S. Commission #547 in 1913.
Source of Object: Donated by C.H. Weir, ALS.
Notes: The Society has only one Topley altimeter in their collection.
References: Visit articles The Topley Company – a Canadian Supplier of Survey Instruments and The “Vagaries of that Instrument” – The Altimeter for more information.
Description by: Ed Titanich, September 27, 2024 and Gordon Olsson, October 22, 2025.