This Circa 1907 Buff & Buff Mining Transit (s/n 5055) looks to be almost unused. I don't see any meaningful wear on the transit - and I see what appears to be almost 100% of the original lacquer. I suspect this instrument has spent almost every day of its life sitting in a box.

I believe this instrument was originally purchased by a South African mining company in 1907 or so. The instrument was in Johannesburg SA when I purchased it. Gold was discovered in the Johannesburg area in 1886, and the Johannesburg area quickly became the mining capital of the world.

You will note that the Buff Mining Transit here lacks a magnetic compass. According to the 1905 Buff Catalogue, a buyer could add a compass for an extra $20. I suspect the magnetic compass was inoperable around Johannesburg, so that the buyer had no need for the compass on this mining transit.

Note also that this mining transit has the infrequently seen inclosed vertical scale. Enclosed vertical scales are normally associated with "wet mining transits". Makers started using the term wet mining transit" in 1910 or so, after this transit was made. One of the key features of a "wet mining transit" is an enclosed scale, so I think it is fair to say that the Buff mining transit offered here is an early wet mining transit. I note however that the 1910 et seq wet mining transit had some other features designed for wet conditions in addition to the enclosed vertical scale. The Buff offered here does not have those features however.

This Buff Mining Transit is roughly 10 inches high, with a main scope of 7.75 inches. The mining scope, which shows more shelf wear, is about 7 inches.

The Buff is missing its original box for some reason, but has a replacement box with distinct markings including the Buff's serial number (5055). The Buff is missing the two lens sunshades, and the lens cap for the main telescope. The mining scope has its lens cap. The Buff is also missing one of its two plastic vernier shade covers. Happily both level vials looks crisp and sharp and are full of liquid.

While the Buff is missing some of the smaller items, the instrument is in amazing condition. Mining transits were almost always used hard, so finding one in this nearly unused condition is extraordinary.

Please take a look at the 360 Degree View of the instrument, and zoom in on various views. This instrument merits a close inspection.