A very nice Gurley Surveyor's transit with a 5.5 inch needle in as-found condition. Formerly owned by a US Deputy Surveyor - George James. As reflected on the George James webpage, George likely used this compass when he returned to Washington from Alaska in 1913.
The base of the instrument is engraved "Coast Eng Co 1113" and with initials of "O.A. F." The engravings indicated that this instrument was likely at one time owned by the Coast Engineering Company and used by one of the company owners, Oscar A Frailey. Coast Engineering was actively surveying circa 1916. I have no idea how this instrument ended up in the hands of George James.
This is a very nice but not perfect instrument. All the knobs turn except the compass face adjustment, which seems frozen. I suspect it will unfreeze with a little coaxing, but I will leave that for the next owner. The level vials have liquid. The scope still has some crosshairs.
The transit has a very nice patina, and should clean up brilliantly. Please examine the pictures carefully and ask questions. I can also take more pictures if necessary.
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