BOSTON BRASS SURVEYOR'S TRANSIT/THEODOLITE
19th c., compass marked Buff & Berger, Boston, 142
scope 10.5"; total 12"h
The partnership of Buff and Berger was formed in 1870 in Boston and dissolved in October 1898. Each opened their own shop. One of America's finest nineteenth century inventions, the American Transiting Theodolite, more commonly called the Transit, was first built by George Louis Buff (1837-1923) shortly after the end of the Civil War. Theodolites had been in use in Europe for many years but George Buff significantly improved the accuracy of the instrument by adding a transiting telescope, a central compass, double horizontal verniers and a vertical vernier. The end result was the creation of the world's most precise surveying and engineering instrument which remained unchallenged until the advent of digital technology in the 1970's.
Sans tripod or box; minor pitting in brass; level full.
Estimate: $500 - $800
Realized: $250 - Excluding Buyer's Premium
Absence of a condition statement does not imply the lot is in perfect condition, free from flaws, restoration, or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email or telephone to our gallery. Any condition statement given either verbally or written is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. CRN bears no responsibility for error or omission. All items are sold as is. All sales are final.
Lot 267 : BOSTON BRASS SURVEYOR'S TRANSIT/THEODOLITE
Click on image to enlarge, then click on right or left side of image to view slideshow.