Really Cool and Rare Shifting Base

This is a pre-serial number Draper Transit with a shifting base. According to Robert Miller's 1996 article on Philadelphia instrument makers in the Rittenhouse Journal, a pre-serial number Draper transit with shifting base was most likely made in 1859, so that's the year I'm going with.

I acquired this transit largely because of the very distinctive shifting rectangular base. You don't see that type of base very often. The transit has a very nice overall patina, and comes with a very nice box as well.

Like most of the other instruments I offer, this transit would make for a very nice display, with the shifting base and very nice box setting it apart from most other transits.

As you can see from the pics, the transit has a bit of cracked glass on the compass face and vernier. The cracked glass doesn't really distract much from the overall look of the transit, however.

My dad paid $1000 for an 1860 Draper Transit SN 174 (with a vertical circle and tripod but without the box) in 1984. I've seen Draper's go for up to $3000. Times have changed.

Price: SOLD
Email Russ