transit
Datecirca 1910
Inventory Number5177a
ClassificationTransit
Subject
Maker
Buff & Buff Manufacturing Company
1898 - 1982
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionstransit: 40 × 23.5 × 21 cm (15 3/4 × 9 1/4 × 8 1/4 in.)
case: 42 × 24 × 27 cm (16 9/16 × 9 7/16 × 10 5/8 in.)
case: 42 × 24 × 27 cm (16 9/16 × 9 7/16 × 10 5/8 in.)
Material
Accessoriescarrying case; sunshades (2); dust cap; trivet; tripod (5177b)
DescriptionThis instrument, which can be adapted as a mining transit (parts missing), is made of brass and gunmetal. The telescope has one focusing knob, a spiral focusing eyepiece, cross hairs, a counter weight, and a bubble level is fixed under it. The telescope itself is supported by two inverted-V columns and moves vertically, its position measured by a graduated circle. A vernier and micrometer drum provides precision readings.
The whole structure can also rotate on a central axis. A graduated circle and two verniers with glass reflectors provide precision readings. In the center there is a compass and also two bubble levels, positioned perpendicularly to each other (one on the plate and one on a column). The instrument, finally, is supported by a base made of four leveling screws. The base is either fixed on a tripod or a three-pointed stand (as shown here). This instrument was patented on 13 November 1900.
When not in use, the instrument is stored in a mahogany case, with two Buff & Buff labels glued inside. Accessories are also stored inside.
The whole structure can also rotate on a central axis. A graduated circle and two verniers with glass reflectors provide precision readings. In the center there is a compass and also two bubble levels, positioned perpendicularly to each other (one on the plate and one on a column). The instrument, finally, is supported by a base made of four leveling screws. The base is either fixed on a tripod or a three-pointed stand (as shown here). This instrument was patented on 13 November 1900.
When not in use, the instrument is stored in a mahogany case, with two Buff & Buff labels glued inside. Accessories are also stored inside.
Signedon instrument: Buff & Buff Mfg. Co. / Boston
Curatorial RemarksThe horizontal circle with scale on this instrument is identical to the partly finished one mounted on the centering plate of the dividing engine by the same firm (see inv. number 5272).
ProvenanceDepartment of Engineering, Harvard University.
Buff & Buff Manufacturing Company
Date: circa 1905
Accessories: wood case; leather case; right-angle prism; plumb bob; oil flask; tripod (5174b)
Object number: 5174a
W. & L. E. Gurley
Date: circa 1910
Accessories: carrying case; dust cap; small tool; sunshade; key; plumb bob chain; tripod (5176b)
Object number: 5176a
Frederic W. Lincoln Jr. & Company
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: carrying case; sunshade; dust cap; tripod (5164b)
Object number: 5164a
William J. Young & Sons
Date: 1870-1875
Accessories: carrying case; dust cap; sunshade; leather belt strap; tripod (5165b)
Object number: 5165a
Bausch & Lomb Optical Company
Date: circa 1910
Accessories: carrying case; dust caps (2); sunshades (2); extra eyepiece; tripod (5170b)
Object number: 5170a
Buff & Berger
Date: 1871-1898
Accessories: plane table compass; sun shade; dust cap
Object number: 5153
John H. Temple
Date: 1850-1870
Accessories: carrying case; dust cap; leather straps; tripod (5166b)
Object number: 5166a
Stackpole and Brother
Date: circa 1885
Accessories: carrying case; dust cap; tripod (5168b)
Object number: 5168a
W. & L. E. Gurley
Date: ca. 1884
Accessories: solar attachment; case; level; green filter; sun shade; tripod (5163b)
Object number: 5163a
Buff & Buff Manufacturing Company
Date: 1930-1938
Accessories: wooden frame
Object number: 1998-1-1179
Heller & Brightly
Date: circa 1908
Accessories: carrying case; plumb bob; tripod (5167b)
Object number: 5167a
See also/See also
