Super Cool Young & Company Transit Made Right After The Civil War

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I love the look of this Young & Company Transit (S/N 4101). The long scope, especially with the sunshade on, looks awesome. And the magnifier adds a lot of eye appeal to the transit as well. This transit would look GREAT on display somewhere.

The William J Young & Company operated from 1865 to 1870, or thereabouts, with three partners (William Young, Charles Heller and Thomas Watson). The serial number on this transit, 4101, appears to place it early in the life of Young & Company, so I estimated the year of manufacturer as 1866. I could be off by a year or so either way.

In 1875, the Engineer News magazine published a fascinating and lengthy article about Young's invention of the transit, and the subsequent development of transits generally. The article walks thru the failings of the English Theodolite and details the great advantages of the sturdy little transits. Written by a surveyor who used early transits extensively for railroads. A great read - 1875 Engineering News Article.

I probably didn't appreciate the value and sturdiness of the early little transits until I read that 1875 article. I now realize just how important these little transits were to the development of the country. While relatively simple, these little transits are fairly cool, and have a great story to tell.


Like many other Young early transits, this transit does not include it's tripod base. This is a beautiful transit, nonetheless, and perfect for display.

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