I have several survey transits made by various manufactures some over 100 years old. I have 10, 15, 20, and 30 second and 1 minute verniers. Considering the examples I have used in my 40 some years of surveying and those in my collection... overall I rank CL Berger first, Gurley and K&E following close in a tie for second then way behind them comes all the rest. I give special mention to K&E for marketing and promotion. Most everyone says they are the best usualy based on something someone said not their own comparison. Of course, they all went under when they tried to match up with the Swiss made instruments in the late 60s. In my opinion Gurley lost ground when they starting using too much aluminum in their instruments in the 60s.... Berger followed suit and created some really bad transits before they went out of business.
I used a Buff at my first job in '72. Set on proposed MH centerline, sight next MH, turn 90, go 10 feet, set stake ahead, repeat for MH back, set on offset line, fill in 25' stations.
over
and
over
and
over.
I was good at it, even with a set of fixed legs. Chief would not buy the 3-4-5 concept to wing over a 90, or that 10, 10, 14.14 would work.
it was a start.
The 'good crew' had a K & E and got to do boundary work. We were the 'lucky' ones staking sewers, storm drains and curbs. Lots of municipal projects in the 70's. Got to be good with a sledge.
There was a firm in Pleasantville, NY, Brandis and Sons, selling instruments and supplies, run by Doug Leaf. I had heard they were once manufacturers of instruments, but never saw a Brandis gun. Found this after a little searching:
Brandis
Frederick Ernest Brandis (1845–1916) was born in Germany, came to the United States in 1858, worked for Stackpole & Brother for a few years, and then opened his own instrument shop in 1871. The firm became F. Brandis & Co. in 1875, F. E. Brandis, Sons & Co. in 1890, and Brandis & Sons Mfg. Co. in 1916. The Pioneer Instrument Company purchased control of Brandis in 1922, and sold it to the Bendix Aviation Corporation in 1928. The manufacture of Brandis instruments ceased in 1932.
They predate the 1950's of the original post, but had to throw it out there.
KS
Here is a link to an awfully good looking Buff and Buff
http://www.skinnerinc.com/asp/fullCataloguese.asp?salelot=2527M++++352+&refno=++864091
I hope it works (the link, that is)
Here is a link to an awfully good looking Buff and Buff
Looks similar to the one of the two that I used when I worked for the USBR in the 60's, except the paint was green instead of black. The other one was all brass and no paint.
