14.5” H x 10” W x 11” D. Wooden case with leather strap handle. One hinge still works.

The compass has the following text under the glass: "Buff & Berger Boston 2786; Pat'd March 2 1897." Mounted on a wooden base that was cracked and reglued at some point. There are no other identifying marks or serial numbers on this transit. Compass is 5" in diameter--a release dial allows the user to "lock" the needle once a bearing is found. Two other dials allow the transit to swivel on its mount. Another knob atop the scope allows for focusing and it appears to work, crosshairs and all. There is one horizontal line above and below the central crosshairs that become visible at various levels of focus.

A leaflet affixed to the inside of the case door has a drawing of a factory and reads, “THE MOST PRECISE INSTRUMENT SHOP IN THE WORLD; View Looking West, Jamaica Plain Shop. Like the instrument, the home of the “buff” is typical of solidity, rigidity, and adaptability. Its location, well to the south of Boston, is one of absolute freedom from electrical disturbances. INSTRUCTIONS: The sunshade of this instrument should be attached to the telescope when in use; the delicate and final measurement of the line of collimation is made with shade in position and telescope focused on a mean distance. Our hand-book on “Adjustments of the Buff Precise Transit” contains many useful hints for care, and manipulation in the field. In clamping this instrument in the box, no part should touch the sides. Sudden changes in temperature have appreciable effects on the closely fitted centers and graduations of our instruments. The protection of a silk or waterproof cover is therefore indispensable. In telescopes of high power, slight and nearly imperceptible films of moisture or dust weaken the brilliancy of image. Occasional careful moistening and cleaning with soft linen and alcohol is advised.”