Dollond Transit Instrument, circa 1775.

A portable transit instrument by Dollond of London. Circa 1775.

2 inch objective lens.

With original fitted case with accessories, case dimensions:

Height: 20.5 cm | 8 in
Width: 88 cm | 34. 5 in
Depth: 43 cm | 17 in

For a similar instrument see The Science Museum, London. Object number 1939-390.
 

Dollond & Co. Established 1750, Hatton Garden, London. Optical, Mathematical & Philosophical Instrument Makers.

A transit instrument is a telescope pivoted on a stand so that it can only move in one plane. Normally this would be aligned north-south so that as the Earth turns, every star visible from the latitude of the telescope can be seen to rise and fall over the course of a year. These types of telescopes can be used to create star charts, since every star can be viewed and so plotted. The time at which each star crosses the north-south line, or meridian gives one co-ordinate, the angle the telescope must point at to see it (its angular height) gives the other. It can also be used to find the time by the stars. Ref: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. 

Dimensions

Price

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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance