A fine and very substantial late 19th Century brass 6" transit theodolite by James Brown of Glasgow. Brown was an optician and instrument maker, based in the city's Vincent Street from 1860 onwards. This particular instrument has a 3" silvered compass dial nicely engraved "J Brown, 76 Vincent Street, Glasgow", also bearing the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass. The telescopic sight is further enscribed "Burgh Commissioners, Kirkintilloch", indicating that this instrument was once owned by the local Government body of Kirkintilloch, in Dunbartonshire, to the North East of Glasgow. The instrument has twin levels for adjusting the horizontal axis and a further spirit level to the top for levelling the telescopic sight. Focusing is achieved by means of rack and pinion and the instrument delivers a strong, crisp image.

The instrument stands 33cm (13") high and the sight is 30cm (12") long. It is a well-made and nicely-engineered example weighing 6kg (13.5lbs). It is presented complete with original fitted mahogany case.

Condition: The instrument survives in fine, original condition with only minor wear. The optics are excellent, free from chips, cracks, haze and fungus, and the focusing operates correctly and without slippage to the rack and pinion. The silvered compass dial is in excellent condition. The lower two spirit levels are dry - one with a crack - the longer spirit level to the telescopic sight survives in good condition, complete with bubble. The case is structurally solid but wear and fading, the top refinished, missing key and escutcheon plate and with wear to original leather strap.