Most American collectors focus their collections on Compasses and Transits made by U.S. Makers. But Colonial and Early American Surveyors imported a fair number of instruments (mostly theodolites) into America prior to 1825 or so. And there were some unsigned instruments made in America but based on a Euro-design (Semicircles) that have largely remained off collectors' bucket lists. I believe that picking up one or two of these instruments would add a good deal of flavor to any well-developed American surveying instrument collection.

Please see my webpages discussing the importance of Theodolites and Semi-Circumferentors to early American surveyors.

My dad displayed his instruments all the time, and created a placard with neat bits of information for each instrument. So when I look for instruments, I focus particularly on instruments that would really add interest to a display of fine instruments. For Theodolites and Semi-Circumferntors I like pre-1825 instruments that are made in America or are representative of instruments that early Americans imported into the country.

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