ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Being offered for sale is the vintage/antique "ENGINEERS' 18 INCH WYE LEVEL" (numbered "15350" at brass tag (2nd pic, top image) and has the optional "20 inch Telescope" (2" telescoping lens)) by BUFF & BUFF MFG. CO. of Boston, MASS., from circa the early 20th century (best guess - c.1916, give or take a decade), as seen in the pictures/as described in the title. PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES. Being offered for sale as-found, uncleaned. May require a thorough detailing to bring to its full potential.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED or your money back...no questions asked!
CONDITION NOTES:
We are NOT experts on these ...but this Wye Level looks to be complete (includes original lens extender (and/or) shade attachment, lens cap and an unknown part/piece (no obvious place for it on the transit but found in box)), fully functional (clear sight thru & thru, all zoom/leveling/adjustment knobs twist smooth, precision level is accurate) and in excellent vintage/antique condition. All we see is minor -to- moderate overall cosmetic wear from normal use and perhaps some heavier wear to the wood box (naturally...being that it's the protective case - has many scuffs, scratches, stains, dings, dents, etc. throughout) but we see NO currently broken or missing parts/pieces. There does however appear to be an old soldering repair at zoom knob at top (see red arrows in 2nd & 5th pics). Said repair is holding strong. The vast majority of the original japanning/black enameling remains with just some artfully worn areas throughout. Lens is very clean and few of any obstructions. Same goes for the eyepiece. The tiny "pocket door" sliding cover functions perfectly (see 8th pic - impressive little detailing!). Box has a split/crack running horizontally at backside (see 11th pic). It is cosmetic only - has virtually zero affect. Box has beefy dovetail joints and absolutely remains structurally rigid & ultra strong. Original leather strap also remains strong over its entire length and at both riveted sides (1 of the 3 rivets is missing from left side and 1 of the 3 has been replaced at the right side - see 11th pic). Original paper label is good shape at underside of lid. Key is not original but is genuinely antique and works great with the original box lock. The two nice & large brass hook latches are excellent. Hinges are strong. See pics.
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT:
Transit measures 18" long, overall (when eyepiece and lens are both fully retracted) and 20" long, overall (when 2" telescoping lens is extended fully).
Box measures 20" wide by 9-5/8" tall x 6" deep/thick.
Please see ruler in pictures for size/scale reference. Additional measurements shall be provided upon request.
Total weight in box is 19 lbs. 9.0 oz..
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