Posted by Michael Sartori on October 08, 2007 at 10:09:23:
I recently obtained a c. 1900 W&LE Gurley surveyor's transit, and after disassembly I saw a name, roughly engraved on the hidden bright brass area of the limb, next to the graduated circle. It says " W. Smith, Sept 06 Chicago Ill". I assume it means 1906. I wouldn't think a repairman would engrave his name on an instrument he was working on. Also, engraved near the name, in the same hand was a manufacturing S/N, "649". There are no other S/N's visible on the exterior of the instrument, so it seems possible it was made in 1906. (Didn't they start assigning S/N's in 1908?) I read somehere that in addition to Troy, NY, they had a facility on the west coast (Washington?). Has anyone ever heard of a Chicago plant? If not, any ideas as to the reason for this signature? Thanks.