Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2013.02.01
- Made by: The transit is engraved with the name “The Topley Company Ottawa Canada” however it was likely made by Bausch & Lomb as some other instruments imported and sold by the Topley Company were made by Bausch & Lomb.
- Model:
- Serial Number: 11086
- Date Made: Circa 1910.
- Approximate size: Height 32 cm.
- Accessories: Wooden tripod, leather covered carrying case (key for the lock is missing), detachable trough compass, plumb bob and various adjusting pins, a flat double-ended wrench, small cylinder oil container to lubricate the instrument motion points.
- Condition: Fair
Commentary:
This transit is marked “No 11086” and “The Topley Company Ottawa Canada.” The number 11086″ is presumably the serial number. The transit is shown in the 1911 pamphlet “Instructions Covering Astronomical Field Tables for the use of Engineers and Surveyors” (See image).
It was originally owned by A.J. Tremblay DLS, ALS (#075). The leather bound carrying case is embossed “A J TREMBLAY DLS.” A story about by A.J. Tremblay and how the transit and its tripod were obtained by the Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association is detailed in the article: A WWI Story – A.J. Tremblay’s Transit
Considering its use over the years it is in fair condition. The vernier reading lenses for the horizontal circle are complete but none exists for the vertical circle.
Source of Object: Obtained by purchase from Robert Szkaluba.
Notes: This transit is owned by and on display in the Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association office. The Society in 2025 acquired one other Topley transit (AGHS 2015.06.01)
References: Visit articles A WWI Story – A.J. Tremblay’s Transit and The Topley Company – a Canadian Supplier of Survey Instruments for additional information.
Description by: Entered by Ed Titanich on December 4, 2024. Gordon Olsson March 29, 2026.