Bidspirit auction | Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.

Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. Survey Transit W/Case - This professional-grade vintage survey transit, crafted by the renowned Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. of Rochester, N.Y. (Serial No. 10205), is a testament to early 20th-century American precision engineering. Research into Bausch & Lomb’s production logs indicates that this serial number range likely dates the instrument to approximately 1915–1918, just before the company pivoted its manufacturing focus toward military optics for World War I. This era is highly regarded by collectors as it represents the peak of B&L's collaboration with George N. Saegmuller. The instrument features a multi-tone finish with brass accents, an integrated spirit level, and sits atop a heavy-duty leveling base with adjustable thumb screws. It comes housed in its original, finger-jointed mahogany transport case, which bears the painted inventory marks ”1220 M.” The set is remarkably complete, including a specialized wood-handled adjustment screwdriver and a mounted pin-tool accessory. The transit is in good vintage condition with clear optics and expected handling scuffs; the wooden case shows surface scratches, age-related wear to the leather handle, and original paper tags. H 6.25”, W 8.75”, D 16.25”. From the collection of Dale Beeks.