Really old transit.

[TomPenny]

I have a transit that was passed down to me. It is in great shape. It's made of sold brass mostly and is in the original wood box. I bet it's 75 years old or more.

I cannot figure out how to use it because there are no cross hairs. Anybody know anything about that?

 

[beenthere]

Maybe the cross hairs have broken. Not much use if they are not fixed, if using it is a plan. Back in surveying 101 in the 50's, we had to put new cross-hairs in, but don't remember the details nor if 'all' transits are created equal.

 

[Syncro]

In my little experience with instruements, I'd check that the focus/diopter are adjusted correctly, the cross hairs could become invisable if these are not set right. If the image looking thru the glass looks clear and sharp then maybe it is a broken cross hair.