Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2007.28.01
- Made by: William Ainsworth & Sons
- Model: Unknown
- Serial Number: Unknown
- Date Made: Unknown
- Approximate size:
- Accessories: Leather Carrying case with a belt loop.
- Condition: good
Commentary:
The pocket transit was developed and patented by David Brunton in 1894. Brunton, a noted mining engineer working in Colorado, recognized the need for a small, accurate, multi-purpose instrument suited for field exploration and mineral mapping. In his original patent application Brunton noted that the instrument can be easily carried in a vest pocket, hence the name ‘pocket transit’.
Brunton contracted with Denver-based instrument maker William Ainsworth & Sons to produce the first pocket transits. Ainsworth remained the primary manufacturer of Brunton pocket transits until after WWII. In 1972 the Ainsworth company folded and the Brunton company was formed to continue production. Original Brunton compasses are still manufactured today in Riverton, Wyoming.
Source of Object: Received from C.H. Weir, ALS.
Notes:
References: Visit the article Not Quite Redundant – The Surveyor’s Compass for additional information. Also see The Old Topographer.
Description by: Updated by Ed Titanich, October 2, 2024.