Welcome to Colonial Instruments

Many surveying instruments, due to the environment in which they were used, have degenerated from their original form. Many compasses, for example, have much newer needles than were originally fitted. A surveying compass from 1770, with a needle from a transit of the late 19th century, is historically misleading as well as offensive in appearance. Sight vanes interchanged for expediency's sake from one damaged instrument to another, disregards the fact that most compass makers had distinct patterns for their vanes and thumbscrews. To this end we supply replacement needles matched to the proper period and sight vanes remanufactured in accordance with each maker's unique designs.

Restoration in this field has normally been carried out in one of two manners. In the first case the restored pieces are left in shiny brass, waiting for time to age them to match the original. These replacement pieces are never signed or dated with the rationalization that the new brass makes it obvious that they are replaced pieces.

Over the decades though, as the brass ages, the once blatant discrepancy between the old and new brass will blur and no longer present an obvious distinction. The second case deals with quality restoration without representation. Restoration completed in such a manner as to be virtually indistinguishable from the original, becomes an historical and ethical dilemma if not permanently labeled as such. We sign and date all large, replaced pieces.

Colonial Instruments properly restores the functionality, as well as the original beauty, of early surveying instruments. It is our intention to honor the colonial craftsman by making replacement items commensurate with the standards to which they adhered.

Choose a Restoration Service on the left to continue.