A superbly-engineered late 19th Century surveyor's transit theodolite by the respected maker, Robert Street of London. His business was founded in the 1820s and went on to become one of the best of the London makers of engineering equipment. This particular example has a beautifully-engraved silvered compass dial inscribed "R W Street, Commercial Road, Lambeth, London", also marked with degrees of the compass and cardinal points. It has a 6" transit and 3½" compass and is a large and is an impressive example, standing 38cm high and with a 30cm long telescope sight. It has considerable weight, tipping the scales at just over 7.5kg (16.5lbs), excluding the case.

The instrument comes complete with tribrach and original fitted mahogany case, the later with a 1935 repair label for J A Reynolds of Manchester, though this instrument is undoubtedly earlier.

Condition: A beautiful example, the instrument survives in original condition with nice patina and only minor scuffs to the original blackened finish. The silvered vertical circle and the compass dial are both in good condition, the latter with working needle and locking mechanism for safe transit. Both of the lower spirit levels are in good working condition, the upper spirit level is dry - or likely replaced - with a clear tube. The optics are excellent, free from chips, cracks, fungus, haze and dust, giving a nice crisp image. The cross-hair is intact. The fitted case is in good condition - possibly with some light restoration - but also retaining beautiful craquelure to the original French Polish giving it a wonderful sense of age. It is missing its leather strap, one of the swing catches and also its key.