Very Rare J. W. Holmes, Batavia, NY Surveying Instrument, Transit, 1880 ' S
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:128010 | Modified Item: No |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
This is a very rare Surveyor's Transit made by J.W. Holmes of Batavia, New York in the late 1800's.
The maker and his instruments are mentioned in the 1886 annual report of the Ohio Society of Surveyors and Civil Engineers, (Google books)
This is an article about this maker in a local publication, which provides additional information. Paste the following link into your browser:www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/history-department-receives-19th-century-transit-that-belonged...-to-local-engineer
The instrument itself is in very good condition. Everything moves smooth and free, with no damage or rubbing. All the level vials are intact with fluid, but it appears one of the small vials is a replacement. The compass needle swings freely, and the needle lifter works. The optics are very good, with a few dirt specks. The focus is smooth and free, and the image is clear and sharp. There are 3 sets of crosshairs (stadia?) which can be brought into focus by rotating the eyepiece. The eyepiece has a small sliding dustguard.
It comes with the original wood case, which appears to be walnut. It has hand cut (not machine cut) dovetails and a frame and panel door. The instrument threads onto a base board which slides into the case. It still has the leather strap.
READ THIS:
Examine the photos closely. They show the condition of the instrument and are exactly what the buyer will receive.
This item is too fragile and too rare to risk giving it to one of the standard shipping services. Every day I see shippers throw boxes 4 feet onto a concrete floor. This is why I require pick-up by the buyer. I will drive to meet with the buyer within approximately 30 mile radius of the Buffalo, NY area. (Excluding entering Canada. I will meet at the US side of an international bridge, however.)
The one exception regarding shipping is that I would consider using one of the pack and ship services (like UPS) to take possession, pack, and ship the transit. My responsibility and involvement ends when I deliver the transit to the shipper. The buyer agrees that any and all issues that arise during packing and shipping are between the buyer and the shipping service.
All costs of packing and shipping will be paid in advance by the buyer. Total weight is about 25 pounds.
Payment by Paypal. All sales final. No returns unless not as described.
Thank you.
The maker and his instruments are mentioned in the 1886 annual report of the Ohio Society of Surveyors and Civil Engineers, (Google books)
This is an article about this maker in a local publication, which provides additional information. Paste the following link into your browser:www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/history-department-receives-19th-century-transit-that-belonged...-to-local-engineer
The instrument itself is in very good condition. Everything moves smooth and free, with no damage or rubbing. All the level vials are intact with fluid, but it appears one of the small vials is a replacement. The compass needle swings freely, and the needle lifter works. The optics are very good, with a few dirt specks. The focus is smooth and free, and the image is clear and sharp. There are 3 sets of crosshairs (stadia?) which can be brought into focus by rotating the eyepiece. The eyepiece has a small sliding dustguard.
It comes with the original wood case, which appears to be walnut. It has hand cut (not machine cut) dovetails and a frame and panel door. The instrument threads onto a base board which slides into the case. It still has the leather strap.
READ THIS:
Examine the photos closely. They show the condition of the instrument and are exactly what the buyer will receive.
This item is too fragile and too rare to risk giving it to one of the standard shipping services. Every day I see shippers throw boxes 4 feet onto a concrete floor. This is why I require pick-up by the buyer. I will drive to meet with the buyer within approximately 30 mile radius of the Buffalo, NY area. (Excluding entering Canada. I will meet at the US side of an international bridge, however.)
The one exception regarding shipping is that I would consider using one of the pack and ship services (like UPS) to take possession, pack, and ship the transit. My responsibility and involvement ends when I deliver the transit to the shipper. The buyer agrees that any and all issues that arise during packing and shipping are between the buyer and the shipping service.
All costs of packing and shipping will be paid in advance by the buyer. Total weight is about 25 pounds.
Payment by Paypal. All sales final. No returns unless not as described.
Thank you.
