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Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian
Sold by London Fine Antiques
sold SA1118585
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2010
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    Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide
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Id #SA1118585
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Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian

1900 - 1920
Sold 13 November 2025 · London Fine Antiques
This “Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian” found a buyer.

It was listed by London Fine Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Brass Optical InstrumentBrass Surveying InstrumentEdwardian Brass Equipment Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

This is an antique transit theodolite. An English, bronze and brass surveying instrument by AG Thornton of Manchester, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.

Superb display quality to this dashing instrument

Presents a desirable aged patina and in good order throughout

Warm brass and bronze hues sit pleasingly against the silvery tones

Pleasingly substantial weight in the hand at 6.61kg (14.57 lb)

Main viewing scope with built-in sun shade

Various functions present with engraved scales

Spirit levels intact, with no loss to vial glass

Accessory eyepieces hosted within a brass bracket

Engraved with A.G. Thornton LTD, Manchester - No. 5302

This is a fascinating antique transit theodolite, with a striking material quality and superb for display purposes. Ideal for collectors or for those with an engineering interest, delivered ready to showcase.

Dimensions:

Max Width: 18cm (7'')

Max Depth: 26.5cm (10.5'')

Max Height: 31.5cm (12.5'')

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques.

We ship worldwide with professional packing and attractive rates – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Deliveries taking on average ten working days to arrive at your door from receipt of payment.

Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.

Our Ref: 24987

Physical Dimensions
Height
31.5cm (12.40")
Width
18cm (7.09")
Depth
26.5cm (10.43")
Declaration

London Fine Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Theodolite to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1118585
Dealers Internal Reference
24987
Dealers Notes

What our clients have to say: https://www.londonfine.co.uk/pages/reviews

Description
This is an antique transit theodolite.
“
An English, bronze and brass surveying instrument by AG Thornton of Manchester, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
London Fine Antiques

Superb display quality to this dashing instrument

fig 1. An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope.
fig 1. Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian

Presents a desirable aged patina and in good order throughout

Warm brass and bronze hues sit pleasingly against the silvery tones

Pleasingly substantial weight in the hand at 6.61kg (14.57 lb)

Main viewing scope with built-in sun shade

fig 2. An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope.
fig 2. Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian

Various functions present with engraved scales

Spirit levels intact, with no loss to vial glass

Accessory eyepieces hosted within a brass bracket

Engraved with A.G. Thornton LTD, Manchester - No. 5302

This is a fascinating antique transit theodolite, with a striking material quality and superb for display purposes. Ideal for collectors or for those with an engineering interest, delivered ready to showcase.

fig 3. An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope.
fig 3. Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian

Dimensions:

Max Width: 18cm (7'')

Max Depth: 26.5cm (10.5'')

Max Height: 31.5cm (12.5'')

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques.

We ship worldwide with professional packing and attractive rates – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.

fig 4. An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope.
fig 4. Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Deliveries taking on average ten working days to arrive at your door from receipt of payment.

Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.

Our Ref: 24987

Height
31.5cm (12.40")
Width
18cm (7.09")
Depth
26.5cm (10.43")
Date of Manufacture

London Fine Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Theodolite to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1118585
Dealers Internal Ref
24987
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2010

Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London Fine Antiques Profile Page

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An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 12
Archive I An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian

Archive II An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View II
Archive III An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View III
Archive IV An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View IV
Archive V An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View V
Archive VI An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View VI
Archive VII An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View VII
Archive VIII An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View VIII
Archive IX An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View IX
Archive X An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View X
Archive XI An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View XI
Archive XII An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques
Telephone 0207 1833511
Location
The Antique Village
Hele
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4PW
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
Items For Sale 943
Items Sold 5,651
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Antique Village, Hele, Exeter, Devon , EX5 4PW, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified
Oct 2010
For Sale
943
Sold
5,651
An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope.
Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian
Ref: SA1118585
An intricate antique brass and metal transit theodolite featuring multiple adjustment screws, graduated circles, and an optical sighting telescope.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectScientific Instrument
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleEdwardian
  • Material[Brass, Glass]
  • ColourPolished Brass
  • MotifsTelescopic sight, Graduated circles, Adjustment screws, Spirit levels
  • SizeH 31.5 cm (12 in) x W 18 cm (7 in) x D 26.5 cm (10 in)

FAQs

A transit theodolite is a precision optical instrument used primarily for measuring horizontal and vertical angles in land surveying, civil engineering, and cartography.

These instruments are typically constructed from cast and turned brass with polished finishes, incorporating glass optical lenses, spirit levels, and graduated silvered circles for precise measurement.

Authenticity is usually verified through maker signatures or engravings, traditional casting flaws, age-appropriate patina on the brass, and the integration of period-specific mechanical designs.

It can be displayed as a focal point on a desk, bookshelf, or mantelpiece, adding industrial and academic character to a study or living space.

Maintain the piece in a stable environment away from high humidity to prevent oxidation, and clean only with a dry, soft cloth, avoiding abrasive polishes that remove the historic patina.
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