William J. Young Enginer's Transit

Description:

William J. Young Enginer's Transit, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, c. 1831, lacquered brass instrument with 8-in. inverting telescope, mounted in standards, one of the standards has provisions for horizontal adjustment of the telescope axis, 6-in. compass box marked "W. J. Young/ maker/Philadelphia," with vernier reading to three minutes of arc, circular level on main plate.

Note: This is one of the first transits, or as they were called at that time "an improved compass with telescope," made by Young. His patent covering the instrument was issued January 17, 1832, and all transits made after that date carry the marking "patent." There are only two instruments known having these same features and markings. The other is at the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC.
Estimate $1,000-2,000


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