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Berger
Transit w/ Aux. Mining Scope Attachment This
was the third surveying instrument I bought that has a provision for taking
an auxiliary scope mounting either on top or on the side of the transit.
These auxiliary scopes were typically utilized in mining applications as a
means to more readily determine locations and reference points, allowing the
user to shoot staight down past the plate.I have bought and sold a lot of transits and levels by various manufacturers over the years, and during that time saw very few surveying instruments that had this provision to take an auxiliary scope that this style of transit does. This example showed up on eBay one day with a BUY IT NOW icon and I hit it just a couple of hours after it had been listed. I figured I had done OK. Over the next month or so 3 more
appeared on eBay, with
each one bringing less than the previous. One of them was in absolutely
immaculate condition, and I was the underbidder, with the next lower bidder
at a lot less than I paid for this one. The other in lesser condition after
10 days bought just about what I paid for this example. Is it a case of
them not being rare, or did these examples come out of the woodwork so to speak
because of the price paid for the first one, or was it simply a fluke of timing.
Over the years I have seen and / or been part of this kinds of scenario before.
Where you run into a pocket of something that was
previously considered very rare, and suddenly there are a dozen or more of them
available. The prices fluctuate, and are volatile for a while. I have
yet to figure out exactly where this instrument fits into this picture, but
it is a very nice example and comes complete with its tripod and box.
The auxiliary scope is a different finish, but that is to be expected and not
improper.The counterweight is present, as well s two different style sunshades. The box is in nice condition overall. and there are three different labels glued to the inside. The overall condition is very nice, and I believe that this instrument was factory refinished at one point it is so nice. All bubbles are good, and all of the screws and motions turn freely as they should. The collapsible tripod is very nice as well and is included in this offering.
Good . . . . . $2475.00 SOLD
Buff
& Buff Surveyor's / Engineers Transit
This
is a nice looking surveying instrument by one of the best known makers of surveying
instruments in America. George Buff studied under and made instruments
for a number of other makers before going into business for himself in the 1860's.
In the 1890's he formed the company Buff & Buff in New York and this company
remained in business until 1980 or so. This instruments design was their
mainstay and was produced for over 70 years from the research I have seen.
The condition is very nice noting the missing eye piece end cover, the optics
are fine, and a repair to the Mahogany box. The serial # and patent date
can be seen in the close-up of the compass face, which also shows how nice the
finish is. The finish on the instrument itself is super and original.
I believe it dates from the first quarter of the 20th century.
Good . . . . . $795.00 SOLD
Buff
& Buff Engineer's or Builders Transit The overall condition and
look of this surveying instrument from the famous Boston Maker Buff & Buff,
which dates from the early part of the last century is second to none.
It is fully operational and all moving parts and adjusters move freely.
All 3 of the level vials are good. The sight glasses are nice as well.
The Compass is operational, and its locking feature functions. The clear
lacquer finish is near perfect and original. The green finish portions
on the supports and wheel cover are in great condition also and add a great
contrasting look. The box is also very nice as well. A super piece
for display or the collection.
Good . . . . . $675.00 SOLD
Buff
& Buff Engineer's Transit The overall condition and
look of this surveying instrument from the famous Boston Maker Buff & Buff
is very nice.
It is fully operational and all moving parts and adjusters move freely.
All 3 of the level vials are good. The sight glasses are nice as well.
The Compass is operational, and its locking feature functions. The box is also very nice as well. A super piece
for display or the collection.
Good . . . . . $795.00 SOLD
C.
L. Berger & Sons Engineer's Transit
The serial # is 17,502, and this would date this
surveyor's or engineer's transit / instrument from approx. 1930 or so.
The optics are clear, the crosshairs present, and the compass is functioning.
All other motions are free and operate as they should. All level vials
are full and appear to be original. There are 2 small screws that hold
the shroud over the vertical scale that are missing. This instrument is
currently housed a nicely done craftsman made box that fits it nicely.
Good . . . . . $495.00 SOLD
Below is a short history of this company that comes from the Smithsonian's well done site and pictures some of their collection. The link to that site is http://americanhistory2.si.edu/surveying/maker.cfm
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Buff & Buff Expedition Size Transit
After the partnership of Buff & Berger was dissolved in 1898 each partner went off on their
own to form new instrument making companies with Berger going 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.
Good . . . . . $495.00 SOLD
Heitzler
Instrument Co. Transit Serial #52 Marked #1 Solar w/ 1911 Patent
This is a very unusual transit in several respects. The maker mark,
Heitzler Instrument Co. Denver Colo. and the info about this transit
being serial # 52 and #1 Solar can be found under the glass on the
compass face. Frank Heitzler operated his mathematical and instrument
making business from Denver Colorado back near the turn of the last
century. He is first listed in 1904 as working by himself. For a
short period of time starting in 1906 he was in a partnership with a
fellow named Weiss an optician and instrument maker. He opened his own
business, Heitzler Instrument Co. for a short 2 years in 1910 -1912
before he disappeared from the directories. There are short Bio's on
both Weiss and Heitzler in Smarts book on surveying instruments, and all
of that was derived from that.The Smithsonian has a transit / instrument that looks very similar to this one marked Weiss & Heitzler in their online collection. Click for Link. They show, and refer to the binocular style scope like this transit has, but get the patent date / number wrong. The correct patent for the offset scope with prisms, much like a binocular is .Pat. 891773 - June 23 1908. Heitzler pulled another patent, US Pat. 946602 - Jan 18, 1910, for a transit with a very unusual feature of a sliding standard so that the transit could be used for mining purposes when the standards were shifted to the edge of the plate. There are no known examples of that transit known.
This transit has a 3rd patent date under the glass of April 1911 and just above that says Solar #1. I can find no reference to this patent or any patent for anything solar related for this transit. Inside the box there is a space in the bottom of the box for what one would assume would hold a striding level. It might have been meant to hold something bigger, but there is no solar attachment or striding level there or elsewhere. There is also no attachment point on the transit to accept a solar attachment. Perhaps it just sat on top like a striding level might, but there are no points that show any wear from something like this either. A mystery!!
Parts of this transit like the screw base are made of Aluminum. Most of the rest is brass. The scope is 8" long. The compass needle 3 1/2" and working. The finish is in super condition, and appears to be a two coat process with a dark green / black, over a lighter base coat with some of that showing through for the effect it gives.. That is factory. The optics are clear and not inverted. The crosshairs are present as well. The vertical circle is 4" Dia. All motions are free, and operable.
This is an interesting and rare transit. With a bit more research, and some luck, you could be the owner of one of the rarest forms of all surveying instruments produced. Think about that, a solar transit with the serial # 52 and the #1, solar that maker made. This transit would be a fine addition to any collection of surveying instruments. Opportunity Knocks. .
Good + . . . . . . $1750.00 SOLD!
William
Ainsworth & Sons of Denver Colorado Mining Transit
This is a very small and light transit whose overall condition is very
nice. The original bronzed lacquer finish is in super condition. The
exposed brass has developed a nice even patina. It has a 3 1/2" needle
and is either an expedition or explore model given the small size. The
transit has threaded axle ends to allow for a secondary auxiliary scope
or solar attachment and counterweight. Neither is present. The idea for
a second scope is to allow the user to shoot angles that would otherwise
be impossible because of the plate being in the way such as at very
steep angles, or straight down. The main scope is just over 8" long. The serial # is 2658. William Ainsworth was an English immigrant who first opened his door for the making of surveying instruments in Denver in the 1880's. In 1905 he added Sons to the name, so we can assume this transit dates from near that date. Ainsworth is most famous for their production of the Brunton pocket compass which is still produced today. In the day they were a well known and respected regional maker of surveying instruments, scales, and watches.
The tripod mount is only 2 1/4" I have a Ainsworth tripod that is almost miniature with a 2 7/8 ring that is smaller than a Gurley explorer or expedition size tripod. Imagine how small and light the tripod for this would be with a 2 1/4" ring. All level vials are all good and all motions are free. The optics are good, and the crosshairs are visible. They are the finest that I have ever seen. All in all a pretty rare instrument that will not turn up often and will make for a great display in the mining collection, or the surveying instrument collection.
Good+ . . . . . . . $875.00 SOLD!
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.
Good+ . . . . . . . $950.00 SOLD!
Queen
& Co Engineers Transit
This is a large & nice looking Queen & Co. Engineers transit. James
Queen first opened shop in 1853, but the name of the firm was changed to
Queen and Co in 1896 and this dates from after that time. The serial # 8414. is found on the compass face under the glass. There
are no published records to help pinpoint the exact date that this was made
but it dates from before 1912 when the name was again changed.. The transit is in overall very nice condition and has 90% or more of the black matt finish remaining. The scope measures 11" long. It has a 5" needle, and the silvered compass face is nice. The needle swings freely and operates as it should. . The horizontal vernier are graduated to 30 degrees. The small opaque shades are present. All screws and motions move freely and as they should. The optics are clear and crosshairs present. It takes a 3 1/2" x 8 tripod fixed leg tripod which is present but not pictured. It is included in the price. . The box is OK, but is damaged and has been repaired. A nice display piece at a reasonable price. .
Good . . . . . . $495.00
Fauth & Co. Expedition Size Transit
This Fauth & Co. of Washington DC expedition size transit is a rare and unusual
surveying instrument. This company was formed in the 1870's between George Saegmuller and
his two brothers in law, Camille Fauth and Henry Lockwood. The transit is marked with the Fauth
& Co. as well as the Washington DC location under the glass on the
compass face. The serial #50 is also found under the glass. If I am reading right at the Smithsonian site
George Saegmuller was a partner in the firm at this time and applied serial
#'s to the instruments only after 1887. The company disbanded in 1905
and I assume this dates from near 1887 with so low a #.
The transit has an 7" scope and would be designated as a Expedition model.
Be sure to see the leather case that the wooden box slips into. Being an expedition size the
makers tried to
keep everything as small and compact as possible to be lighter and easier to transport in the field.
The box for the transit is a study in compactness. The leather field
case has done a fine job protecting the mahogany box. The mahogany box for the transit
shows just a few minor scuffs from storage. The leather covering is in fine condition as well with minor
losses to the stitching and the straps missing.
All motions are free and
turn as they should. The optics are perfect and exhibit no cloudiness or other problems. The image is inverted, and I do not see any crosshairs.
The 3" compass needle swings freely and goes to north. There are 3 different eyepieces, one of them being a right angle. The tripod
size looks to be 2.75 x 13.
This small interesting instrument represents an opportunity that will not likely present itself again
for a long time.
Highly recommended!!
Fine . . . . . . $1095.00
Heller & Brightly Mining Transit w/ Auxiliary Scope
& Tripod The main scope on this
large surveyor's or engineers transit is 11" long. The serial # is
4928 which from published records we can assume dates this mining transit from
right around 1876 just a few years after Heller and Brightly formed their
partnership in 1870. Heller had worked for Young, and before Young died
in 1870 he had become a partner in that firm. This was before teaming up with Brightly
soon after Young's death and starting the new firm of Heller & Brightly.
The transit is fitted for, and has the secondary auxiliary scope making
this what would be
termed a mining transit. Heller & Brightly instruments in this form
are very rare. The box is fitted for the scope and other auxiliary
pieces as well. This transit is set to accept the secondary scope on
just the right side and not on top. It has a very unusual split nut fitting that uses friction to hold the scope onto the
spindle provided. The axle on the other side of the instrument is set
up to take a counterweight, and there is a place for a counterweight in the
box, but it is missing. The idea for a second scope is to allow the
user to shoot angles that would otherwise be impossible because of the plate
being in the way such as at very steep angles, or straight down.
The overall condition
of this rare mining transit is very nice.
The natural brass finish has developed a nice even patina. This transit has
been on display in an office for the last 25 years or so. It was found
in Oregon, and the story was that it had come from PA where it had
originally been in use. Also of note is that the serial numbers on the instrument, box, and tripod
all match. The tripod is OK noting that it appears one leg has an
early glue repair on a split in one rail. The original
screwdriver is in the box, and both scopes have sunshades. All level
vials are all good. All in all a pretty rare instrument that will not
turn up often and will make for a great display in the mining collection, or
the surveying instrument collection.
Good+ . . . . . . . $3295.00
Info on Heller & Brightly from the Smithsonian Site
Heller & Brightly Charles S. Heller (1839–1912) was born in Germany, and moved with his family to the United States in the late 1840s. He went to work for William J. Young in 1855, and became a partner in William J. Young & Co. in 1865. Charles H. Brightly (1817–1897) was born in England, arrived in the United States in the 1830s, and worked as a machinist in Philadelphia before going into partnership with Heller in 1870. Within a few years Heller & Brightly were said to have "done more than any other [firm] in this country of late years to increase competition in the trade, and to wake up the different makers to a sense of the many improvements that may be made in the instruments in common use." Heller & Brightly instruments were used in every state in the union, and in several foreign countries. The firm was incorporated in 1926, and remained in business until 1968.Heller & Brightly was a traditional craft workshop. There were only a few employees at any one time, each could produce an entire instrument, and each was reasonably well paid. They produced some 100 instruments per year from 1870 to 1887. Annual production rose to 216 instruments in 1891, then dropped precipitously and remained at modest levels thereafter. Each instrument has a serial number, the first being #4400. Most Heller & Brightly instruments were ordered directly from the shop, with only a few sold in stores.
Ref: Robert C. Miller, "The Heller & Brightly Records," Rittenhouse 4 (1990): 43–55.
This is just a sample of the many antiques we have sold. Click link to see other Sales Archive Pages on this Site.
We can help you sell quality Surveying Related Antiques Contact Us.
For further info on consigning / selling your antiques
with us please see our FAQ page,
the
Appraisal / Selling Page and the
Selling
Your Collection Pages.
Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.
This website is Copyrighted
(1998 -
2009)
Larry & Carole Meeker