C.
L. Berger & Sons Solar Transit w/ Pearson's Patent Solar Attachment
This C. L. Berger & Sons solar transit dates from right
around the turn of the century. It is marked on the compass face "C. L. Berger
& Sons Successors to Buff & Berger Boston". The serial # is 3249 which would
date this from right around the turn of the century, and just after the breakup
of the original Buff & Berger Firm in 1898. From available company records this transit
was originally sold with the shown solar attachment.
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The compass is very nice and operates properly. The compass face measures approx 5" and the silvered needle just over 4". The horizontal vernier is silvered and in excellent condition. The transit itself stands just over 12" tall, and the scope is approx 11" long. All motions are free and turn freely. The brass finish has developed a very nice patina.
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The transit focuses and the crosshairs consist of three horizontals and one vertical. The image is not inverted. At the eyepiece end it seems there is cap missing, and the adjustment to bring the crosshairs into focus is tight / stiff. The half circle vernier is silvered and reads to 30 degrees. The half circle vernier has a slight bend of about 2 degrees on the right side, as if it had been bumped at some point. It still rides freely and reads from the scale just fine. It has a 3 1/4 inch tripod mount and I do not have the tripod. Different makers utilized different styles of solar attachments and Buff & Berger adopted the Pearson Patent Solar Attachment. The patent for the Pearson solar attachment was granted in 1882 about the same time as most other patents for these rare & unusual devices called solar attachments were issued. The Pearson patent, like the Sageumueller utilized a telescopic sight. Because of its design and the way it mounts this solar attachment uses the transits frame and settings for its set up. The Burt solar attachment and other top mounted style solar attachments had their own adjusters. This Pearson patent solar attachment appears to be NOS and retains nearly 100% of it original finish and Lacquer. It is marked on the inside of the attachment Buff & Berger which means it was made just before the transit and before the original Buff & Berger Co. broke up. It is stamped with the #3 which may be its serial # or an assembly #. The focus is crisp and the crosshairs present. As can be seen in the pics there is a dark lens cap, and a sun shade as well. There are places in the box these can be mounted to.
The transit has the proper box, and the cosmetic condition of it is pretty nice. There are several paper labels inside including instructions on what to and not to do. There is no place in the box for the attachment, but as i stated earlier, company records indicate the transit and attachment were originally sold together.
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This style and form of transit with this unusual solar attachment was not widely distributed and thus is quite rare. Over the years I have seen dozens of Burt Style solar attachments offered for sale on Gurley and other make transits. I have seen and had a handful of the Saegmuller solar attachments that K & E, Lietz, and Dietzgen used, and I have even seen several of the later Smith patent solar attachment offered for sale, but this is the first Pearson solar attachment by this patentee and maker that I have had or seen offered. It will make a great addition to the collection of rare scientific or surveying related antiques.
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TW-BST-1
Excellent . . . . . . $3950.00
Keuffel
& Esser #5081 1/2 C Mining Transit w/ Auxiliary Scope
This is a super nice Keuffel & Esser Paragon Mining transit. The # 5081 1/2
C is designated as a mining transit, and it is specially designed to accept a secondary
scope that mounts either to the top of the main scope or to the outboard side as
shown in the pics. Mining transits with these secondary scopes are very unusual
and hard to come by. This mining transits serial # is 133021 indicating it was made in the 50's. The black matt finish is near perfect. It shows little signs of use and just a few minor box scuffs at high points to the finish. The optics are crisp and clear. The fitted box is nice as well, and set up to accept the auxiliary scope and weight you see.
The main scope is 10" long and has a 20 power magnification. The horizontal limb is 5 1/2" and graduated to half degrees. It has double vernier windows set to 30 degrees that read to a minute. The compass needle is approx 3 1/2" and is gold plated. It functions
properly. All motions are free and turn smoothly. The rear eyepiece
focus works well.. The 4 1/2" vertical circle is graduated on silver and also
reads to a minute. The auxiliary scope is 6 5/8" long and 14 power. It is designed to mount either to the top of the scope or just outside the standards on the side.
Mining transits were used in situations where the operator had to shoot down vertical shafts or odd angles and the horizontal plate would interfere. When mounted on either the top or side it projected past the plate to allow the user to shoot that line. Different manufacturers used different approaches to solve the problem, and K & E used the two point attachment system with counterweight which allowed for different setups in different situations. Others include the Buff version where the scope could be released and moved into another position. There is also a version with a leaning frame to allow for the same effect.
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BM-KEMT-1
Excellent . . . . . $3750.00
Knox
& Shain Surveyors / Engineers Transit The partnership of Knox
and Shain was begun in the 1850's. The Smithsonian sight says they opened
their shop in 1850, while the bio on them in Smarts says they were first listed
together in the Philadelphia directories in 1855. The serial # on the compass
face is 900. It is not known if this number reflects the date from the beginning
of this partnership, or from the time Knox left the employ of Young and opened his
own shop some years earlier. This transit though has the look and fell of
an instrument that dates from the 1860's to 1880's. The Smithsonian
site mentions that Knox & Shain instruments look similar to Young's transits because
both partners worked for him in the past. The information there goes on to
say they bought the dividing engine of Jesse Ramsden, an early English maker of
surveying and other scientific instruments. . This surveyor's transit is in good condition. It stands just about 11" tall to the top of the 5" vertical circle which reads to 30 degrees. This transit is from an era when the leveling base remained with the tripod, which we do not have. There is no place for it in the box. which is OK. The box is dirty and has been re-glued where it split at some point in the past but has a great look and a lot of character.
The compass is a gold finish and works properly. The needle is 5" and the transit measures approx 7" across. The silvered horizontal vernier is inside under the glass and operates as it should. All other knobs and motions are free as well. All three level bubbles are full and appear to be original. The optics are clear, and it focuses well, but there do not seem to be any cross hairs if there ever were any.
This Knox & Shain is a very early transit, by a relatively rare and obscure maker from Philadelphia one of the hubs of early technology manufacturing in America. This transit will make for a great showpiece on display in the collection or any other setting.
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PA-KNSH-T1
Good+ . . . . . . . $1095.00
Buff
& Buff Engineers Transit This
is a nice looking surveying instrument by one of the best known and highly
respected surveying and scientific instrument makers in 19th century America. George Buff studied under and made instruments
for a number of other makers before going into business for himself in the 1860's. After
the partnership of Buff & Berger dissolved in the 1890's he formed the company Buff & Buff in New York
with his sons and this company
remained in business until 1980 or so.This instruments basic design and features were their mainstay and this style transit was produced for over 70 years from the research I have seen. The condition is very nice with nearly all of the original golden brass finish intact. The optics are fine. The serial # 26556 would date this from approx 1920 or so. A patent date can be seen in the close-up of the compass face, which also shows how nice the finish is. The half circle vernier is silvered and very nice. All motions are operable and there is no damage anywhere to speak of. A super nice looking transit in super nice condition ready for the display, or to be put back into service.
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SH-BAB-GT
Good + . . . . . . . $695.00
William
Stackpole Surveyors / Engineers Transit This surveyor's transit
is in good condition. Stackpole & Brother was a relatively early New York surveying
instrument maker and began operations in the mid 1800's. The box as
shown in the pics is pretty nice as well. The bubbles are all good.
The compass is nice and the needle swings freely. The company name and location
are on the compass face under the glass and pictured below. The optics are
clear, and the crosshairs (3h & 1v) are good. Stackpole produced a quality
product and this transit is no exception. Note the positioning of the tangent lock.
The green lacquer finish is 90% or better and looks great Those areas
that were not lacquered have a nice even patina. The Smithsonian site has a bio on the brothers who formed the company, and they have several of their instruments in their collection.
See below for some of the info from the Smithsonian site.
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AH-Stran-1
Good+ . . . . . . . $950.00
Stackpole
William Stackpole (1819–1895) and Robert Stackpole (1823–1873) were Irish immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1833. Trading as Stackpole & Brother, they began making mathematical instruments in 1851. During the Civil War, they made spyglasses and sextants for the Navy. Each Stackpole instrument is marked with a serial number, and the sale of instrument #655 in 1866 suggests that the firm averaged some 44 instruments per year. According to the 1870 Census of Industry, the Stackpoles had $12,000 invested in the firm, hired eleven men and two children, and were then producing 250 surveying and nautical instruments worth $26,900. In the early 1870s they made astronomical transit instruments for the American expeditions sent to observe the transit of Venus. The firm remained in business until 1910.
Hildebrand
Freiberg Surveyors / Engineers Theodolite / Transit This
precision Theodolite is by Hilderberg Freiberg a well know and respected optical
instrument maker that was begun in the 18th century in Germany as Freiberg and evolved
and changed names over a period of time to what it is now. You can visit their present
website here.The name Hilderberg became associated with the company in 1872 and Hilderberg Freiberg company was in operation until the Russians took control of the plant at the end of WWII. The only place this precision instrument is marked with the company name is on the handle of the case. There is also a stylized logo & number on the instrument itself which probably would help date it for those with access to that info. This instrument dates from somewhere near the turn of
the century up to
the time of WWII when the Russians took over the plant. It is interesting to
note the Japanese writing on the outside of the case and the "military" colored
tan finish of the tripod would lead one to believe it was sold to and used by
the Japanese military prior to or during WWII. The instrument itself is in great
condition and is as complete as one could imagine or hope for. All of the level
bubbles are good. All of the fitted holes in the internal carry case / tray are
full
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and this instrument was designed to be locked into the case on the base to withstand all sorts of travel bumps and abuse. All of the tiny magnifiers over the vernier scales are present.
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There is a striding level, an auxiliary compass, plumb bob, counterweight, and even a small wind up tape in feet / metric with Japanese writing. The tripod is nice, proper, and the instrument has the proper 3 point leveling base for it. There are also additional parts and pieces stored on the door, like an extra eyepiece, sunshade, and right angle eyepiece. The optics are clear and the cross hairs present. It is a very nice looking and graphic instrument to add to several different focus collections.
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GM-THEO-1
Good+ . . . . . . $895.00
Keuffel & Esser 5085 Engineers Transit
This is a large & nice looking Engineers transit that dates from 1908.
The serial
# 17657 which is found on the plate outside the compass. There are two patent dates from near the turn of the century stamped there
as well. This was the largest size transit that K & E produced and is listed in their catalogs as an Engineers Transit. This transit has K & E's distinctive twisted leg standards that were promoted as being stronger and superior to their earlier A frame design in the catalog write-ups. They give the instrument a very graphic look and interesting look the way one is twisted in the front and one in the rear. I believe K & E only used this design for 10 - 15 years and were phased out around 1915.
It is in overall very nice condition and has 98% or more of the black matt finish on the upper portions, and a gloss black finish on the lower base. The scope measures 11 1/2" long. It has a 4 1/2" gold plated needle, and the silvered compass face is super clean. There is no discoloration or corrosion here at all. It appears that one of the small level vials has been changed out at some point, and there is a repair tag inside the box that would indicate that this was a factory repair. It is equipped with a half circle vernier and the readout is to the rear of one leg and graduated to 15 degrees. The horizontal verniers are graduated to 30 degrees. The small opaque shades for them are missing but are an easy fix. .
All screws and motions move freely and as they should. The optics are clear and clean and there is one vertical and three horizontal crosshairs. The base measures 3 1/2" x 8. The tripod is proper and nice, noting that one leg bracket has a crack in the brass. There are two of these on each leg so it is still operational. The transit weighs over 16 lbs and has a commanding presence. It is an ideal size for display and it is a great looker with its near perfect finishes. A nice piece.
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BW-KE5085-1
Excellent . . . . . . $895.00
Tripod . . . . Good . . . . . $100.00 w/ purchase of transit
W.
& L. E Gurley Engineers / Surveyor's Transit This
large and early transit is in very nice original condition. This engineers
transit dates from before the turn of the century as noted by the straight A shaped
legs or standards holding the scope. The fact that the tangent lock is found
atop of the plate, and is not spring loaded is an indication that this transit dates
from the last quarter or earlier of the 19th century. I do not
know the exact time frame for these different changes, but they are indicative of
an earlier instrument that dates from the 1880's or before.
The optics are clear, crosshairs present, and the motions are all free. All bubbles are good. The box is nice and I believe the finish on it is original. There is one hook-eye missing. The leather strap is original and OK as well. The compass needle is 5 inches, and the compass face measures about 6". I believe the face is hand engraved, and the location Troy NY is at the bottom near the south point another indication of its early manufacture. A very nice looking piece that will display very nicely with its original patina.
The tripod for this transit was painted a bright red which was a means for the user to insure it did not get left behind or stolen, and was also helpful for the pole or stick man to be able to sight on in the field. There is a great repair to one of the legs that adds a lot of character to the tripod. The tripod is included in the price for just the cost of shipping which will run approx. 75.00 for both pieces
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DB-GE-1
Good+ . . . . . . . $795.00
Fennel
/ Kassel Builders Transit / Level This is a quality
transit / level made by the well known German firm Fennel / Kassel. The box
is marked West Germany which would date this as post WWII. It looks a lot
like the David White Builders transit I use to use for general layout, corners,
and grades. This instrument is set up much the same with a positive lock for
the level / grade function, and just one level vial below the scope to set up.
Everything about the transit is nice, and I believe it is ready to go
back to work. The box needs a new clap / latch, but is otherwise
OK. It takes a standard 3 1/2 x 8 tripod.
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CLM-svt-1
Good+ . . . . . . $225.00
Buff
& Berger Light Mountain Transit The partnership
of Buff & Berger was formed in 1871. They were located in Boston, and were
in business until 1898 when the partnership was dissolved and each party went off
on their own to form new surveying instrument companies. Berger went
into business with his sons, as Berger & Sons, and Buff did the same starting
the new company of Buff & Buff. There are Bios for both companies from Smarts
reference book that can be found at the Smithsonian site if interested.
This is a nice looking transit with a 9" scope which according to the catalog I have would make it a #2 size transit. I imagine from the serial number of 175 that this transit was made during the first few years of the companies formation in the 1870's.
The center yoke piece is made of a white bronze or brass and has a great contrasting look with the rest of the instruments darker brass patina contrasting that color. All of the bubbles are good, and the compass functions. All the motions are free and turn properly. The rear lens adjustment is tight and needs a lube to focus the crosshairs easier, but they are there.
A great size and very nice looking instrument from a maker better known for their larger instruments. Buff & Berger instruments are equal in quality and feature to anything Gurley or K& E were putting out during the same time period. They were a well known and respected firm and this instrument is far rarer than a similar instrument by either of those better known and more prolific makers. It will display very nicely.
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LM-BUBGT-1
Good+ . . . . . . $895.00 SOLD!
W.
& L. E Gurley Light Mountain Size / Surveyor's Transit
This small W. L. & E Gurley transit is in very nice condition.
The scope measures
just under 9". Most all Gurley transits are not marked with model #s
and only those after 1908 had serial numbers. Their designations must be
determined from referencing back to a catalog to note the sizes and
characteristics given there.The optics on this transit are clear, crosshairs present, and the motions are all free. All bubbles are good. One opaque vernier shade is missing. The exterior of the mahogany box is nice, but there are a couple of pieces missing from the interior. Most notably the pieces in the top that would hold the transit in place across the axle.
In addition to the Gurley name at the top of the compass, there is a second name engraved on the compass face. It says C. C. Hutchinson Boston Mass. He was a known maker who was listed in the Boston Directories from the late 1880's up to 1940. This was probably a special order through him. I do not see any modifications or additions to the instrument that may have been done by him. There is also a label inside the top of the box with his name and location on it. The base is set to accept a 3 1/2 inch tripod.
A nice looking transit with original patina by the most respected of surveying instrument makers that will display very nicely .
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CLM-G2T-2
Good . . . . . . $SOLD!!
Buff
& Buff Expedition Size Transit After the partnership
of Buff & Berger was dissolved in 1898 each both original partners went off on their own to form
new instrument making companies. Berger went into business with his sons, as
Berger & Sons, and Buff doing the same starting the new company of Buff &
Buff with his sons.This is a nice looking transit with a 8" scope which I believe would make it an expedition size transit . The serial number is 10,616, and I am not sure how Buff & Buff went about numbering their instruments after the breakup of the partnership. Berger just picked up where the two had left off, and from the look of this transit and figuring Buff did the same I would think this transit dates from near the turn of the century and before the 1920's.
All of the bubbles are good, and the compass functions. All the motions are free and turn properly. The crosshairs are present. The serial number on the base is the same as the instruments. It has a 4" silver vertical circle scaled to read to a minute.
A great size transit and very nice looking instrument that will display very nicely with its original finish and patina. .
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Good+ . . . . . . $1095.00 SOLD!