OT: Antique Surveyor's Transit?

[randyjaco]

Today I picked up an old K&E surveyor's transit and I would like to know more about it. It has one plaque that says "Keuffel & Esser Co. NY Pat. 83181 Pending".
I did an Internet and Ebay search to find out what I could but came up empty. The patent number is bogus. That number relates to a lathe improvement for another company. I have found several pictures that are close but not identical. Does anyone have any knowledge of old K&E transits? I would just like to know the model number and approximate manufacture date. Any input would be appreciated

Here is a picture http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps9de7562a.jpg

Thanks
Randy

[Mike Burdick]

Randy,

Do a Google search for "Dumpy Level" and you'll find lots of info on them...

[1-800miner]

What you have is a level rather than a transit.
A transit rotates both horizontally and vertically.

[kendall]

but you need to know exactly where you are....

[randyjaco]

Thanks Guys, that helps alot.

Randy

[Danl]

I think that may actually be a Wye level: check out the second from the bottom at this site: http://www.antiquesurveying.com/Wye%20levels.htm

They want $400 for theirs. These were quite common back in the day, so they may be waiting quite a while to get that amount. However, even if it is only really worth $200, you made a killing....

DanL

[Optics Curmudgeon]

As Mike says, it's a dumpy level. In these modern times any surveying instrument has become a transit. Look for the serial number and look it up here: http://www.surveyhistory.org/how_old...Instrument.htm. The rest of the site is good to look over as well.

[JoeLee]

It looks exactly like the old Dietzgen I have.

JL..............

[cameron]

I think that may actually be a Wye level: check out the second from the bottom at this site: http://www.antiquesurveying.com/Wye%20levels.htm

They want $400 for theirs. These were quite common back in the day, so they may be waiting quite a while to get that amount. However, even if it is only really worth $200, you made a killing....

DanL

No, not a Wye level. A Wye level has quick release clamps that allow the telescope and its attached level vial to be removed from the frame and turned end-for-end.