Fantastic Antique c1900 Brass W & L.E Gurley Surveyor Transit Instrument Compass

Description

W. & L. E. Gurley
Troy N.Y.
Surveyors Transit
This is a wonderful antique piece of surveyors equipment. For anyone who has never had the pleasure of examining one of these fine instruments, they are an absolutely stunning example of 19th century engineering and precision craftsmanship. Each and every part of this instrument was machined from solid brass with an unmatched level of fit and finish with fine adjustments that move every part with precision. Looking at copies of Gurley catalogs
I would estimate this
particular transit to have been made around 1900 plus or minus a couple of years. This transit stands 13 inches tall with a 5 3/4 inch diameter compass and a telescope that measures just under 12 inches when fully retracted. The makers name and all the fine graduations on the compass are easily readable, when level the compass needle always point straight north and the compass needle lock functions properly. All of the fine adjustment screws turn easily and function properly. All three leveling bubbles are intact and still filled. The optics inside the telescope are just incredible, there are focusing knobs that adjust the telescope on both ends and looking at a diagram there appears to be a total of what looks like 7 lenses inside! The image through the telescope has a few dirt specks but is surprising crisp and clear. The eye piece still has its working sliding shutter and the other end retains its original lens cap. The transit is complete with its wood carrying case that retains part of it broken and partially missing leather carrying strap. The compass and box both have very pleasing old look and feel with a visually attractive amount of wear and light yellow brown patina. When this was new it would have been one of the finest instruments you could buy with a base price of a Gurley transit starting at 0 in the year 1900 or nearly 00 in todays money, an astounding amount considering the average worker at the time was lucky to make a week!
Fantastic Instrument
If you have any questions please contact me.