Sawyer & Hobby Transit - Circa 1840s

This Sawyer & Hobby transit comes complete with its original front loading case. The instrument has its original warm patina with all motions moving smoothly except for the focusing knob. The case label bears the 156 Water Street address which dates the instrument between 1839 and 1853.

The transit measures 11 ¼” high with a 5” needle, 7 ¾” limb, 9 ¾” scope and is fitted with two vernier windows. It has a silvered compass face with a trumpet vine motif and is signed Sawyer & Hobby New York. It’s accompanying front loading case is 9” wide, 10 ¾” deep and 13 ½” high and bears the makers label on the inside of the door. It does not include any accessories normally contained within the case such as a plumb bob, sun shade or adjustment tools.

There are very few examples of transits made by Sawyer & Hobby. I have seen only one other than this over the years and it had been refinished.

Horace Sawyer (1811-1889) formerly of E & G. W. Blunt joined Jonathan Hobby (1813-1883) in 1839 to operate a mathematical and nautical instrument company in New York City. They operated from 1840-1853 at 156 Water Street according to the local directories.

360 Degree Spinner View