A fine late 19th Century polished brass 5" transit theodolite by Elliott Brothers of London, the 3" silvered compass dial being engraved "Elliott Brothers, London" and bearing the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass, and the 5" radius vertical circle being engraved up to 90 degrees from the horizontal. There are two levelling vials for setting the instrument to the horizontal axis and a further spirit level to the telescopic sight.

The Elliott Brothers name can be traced back to the very early 1800s but operated as a partnership of all three of the Elliott brothers - Frederick, William and Charles - from 1850 onwards, operating from premises at The Strand, London.

The instrument stands 28cm high and the sight measures 40cm.

Condition: The instrument survives in fine condition, the polished brass being dent free and bearing only minor marks and land oxidation. The silvered compass dial is excellent. The shortest of the two horizonal spirit levels has a crack and is dry, but the other levels are in good shape and retain their bubbles. The instrument has clear optics, free from chips, cracks and fungus and it focusses well to deliver a clear and crisp image. There is light wear to the vertical circle and the telescope attachment is a loose fit, though thought to be original. Usefully, this theodolite gives a vertical - rather than an inverted - image, which means that it can be used like a telescope. No case.