patented-antiques.com antique surveying instruments, transits, solar instruments, compasses

K & E / Keuffel & Esser c. 1919 # 5070 Engineers Mountain & Mining Transit

K & E / Keuffel & Esser c. 1919 # 5074 Engineers Mountain & Mining Transit This model and style transit with its unusual 3 screw leveling base is very unusual. In catalogs it gets an asterisk with explanation that it is only available through special order. K & E called this style of transit off as "Extra Fine" & The serial # is 38611 dating it from 1920 or so. The tag on the door says the needle is calibrated for Buenos Aries Argentina. There is a tag on the box that also indicates it came from South America. Note that it has 2 auxiliary magnifiers to allow for a more precise reading of the extra fine scales on the different vernier scales.

All motions and thumbscrews operate smoothly. The silvered compass face is near flawless, and the 3 3/4" compass needle swings north. The black oxidized finish is mostly fine. All three level bubbles are good and appear to be original. The optics are clear and good.

There are a few minor apologies. The door on the box has been remounted on the opposite side of the opening. Not sure why and no apparent reason. There is one vertical and 2 horizontal crosshairs. One crosshair above the center horizontal crosshair is broken or unattached. Also, the protective outer cover or guard for the vertical circle / vernier scale is cracked. I see no damage to the wheel itself. Finally, there is a small dent on the end of the scope as pictured.

This rare & desirable surveying instrument will be a highlight of the well rounded surveying instrument collection and will display very nicely in any number of settings.

ARG-KE-5074

Good + . . . . . . $750.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

Transits / Theodolites by
Young / Buff / Berger / Dietzgen / Lietz & Misc. Makers

A. Lietz Mining Transit w/ Auxiliary Scope This Lietz Mining Transit is in very good overall condition. The A. Lietz Co. of San Francisco stopped making instruments around the beginning of WWII and opened up shop shortly before the turn of the century. The name info is under the glass below the north point on the compass face. The serial # is 6402. Records indicate it dates from 1914.

Note how the both ends of the scope axles have threaded caps for mounting a second scope and counterweight on the opposite side. There are also attachment points on the top and bottom of the scope. The black finish is 90% or better and the brass areas have a nice even patina. The optics are OK, and crosshairs present. The box is present and nice. It will display very nicely and has a great patina and graphic look to it. Nice!!

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

GV-LIETZ-MINE

Good + . . . . . . $2250.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

uropean Brass Theodolite w/ Beveled Limb and Magnifiers

European Brass Theodolite / Transit w/ Beveled Limb and Magnifiers An interesting looking Surveying Theodolite / Transit in nice cosmetic condition. It is unmarked as to maker but has an European look and features. It came from a fellow who mostly collected microscopes. His son told us this had been on the dining room table since the 1970s.

There is no box or case. Most of the motions are stiff from 50 years of dust having settled in. The cross hairs are present, and consist of an X with several vertical and horizontal lines. The optics are OK. The different level bubbles are good. The small magnifiers are good, and needed to read the scales they are so fine. It has a beveled silver limb typical of European instruments but was also offered on a rare Buff & Berger.

There are a couple empty screw holes on the scope. The mount at the base looks to be a quick mount feature where a 1/4 turn would lock it to the tripod once in place. A nice display piece.

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

HG-B-THEO

Good +. . . . . 595.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

TOKO 10 x 5 WWII Japanese Transit Theodolite

Japanese WWII TOKO 10 x 5 Transit / Theodolite This is a well made nice condition surveying instrument that looks to have seen little use before being carried home after WWII by a returning serviceman.

The drab green finish is near perfect. The optics are crisp and clear. The rubber eyepiece did not survive and just a piece of it remains. Everything else seems to be in order. Motions and screws are a bit tight after sitting idle for 80 some years. It has not been tested or had anything done to it in all that time. The wood case is solid. It will display nicely!!

Click for Pic               Click for Pic               Click for Pic               Click for Pic

Click for Pic               Click for Pic               Click for Pic               Click for Pic               Click for Pic

Click for Pic               Click for Pic               Click for Pic               Click for Pic

HG-JAP-TRAN

Good + . . . . . . $495.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

W. & L. E. Gurley & Others
Surveying / Surveyor
Compasses / Solar Compasses / Telescopes

W. & L. E. Gurley Solar Compass Gurley Solar Compasses are amongst the rarest and most sought after of all antique surveying instruments. Gurley made solar compasses after obtaining the patents from Burt. They were developed for use in locations where the iron deposits in the earth were liable to render the use of magnetic compasses inaccurate. A solar compass uses the sun, the horizon, and time of day to determine the exact location one is at without the use of a magnetic compass.

I went inside looking for a date or maker info and saw no date info. The number 5 was stamped under the plate. The Burt Solar Attachment is also stamped # 5. It could be a serial # or have another explanation. There were some other marks and scratches inside, but they appeared to be reference marks related to assembly.

The overall condition of this Gurley Solar Compass is nice. It has been worked on in the past. Both level vials were replaced and are good. The trough compass is good. The Gurley name inside that is good. All motions and adjustments turn freely. The brass leveling head is for use with a tripod.

Inside the original fitted box the top compartment is laid out for a auxiliary scope that is not present. There are also two small sight vane attachments with a fitted spot in the box. The brass sight vanes have new thumbscrews to attach them to the plate. The holes through the plate have been slightly enlarged and the sight vanes rethreaded for the larger diameter of the new thumscrews. This Gurley Solar Compass is a very graphic and impressive looking surveying instrument that will display nicely and fit into many different collections. A rare opportunity.

A-GUR-SCOMP

Good + . . . . . . $7,400.00 SOLD!!

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

Antique W. & L. E. Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass

W. & L. E. Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass Gurley Aluminum Solar Compasses are amongst the rarest of the rare in antique surveying instruments. Gurley made an aluminum version of their solar compass for just a short period starting in the 1890s, and only a handful are known to exist or thought to have been produced.

Gurleys' use of Aluminum during this time period was very unusual. Aluminum was a relatively new material whose characteristics had not been fully developed, understood, or been perfected. Aluminum from this period was very brittle and prone to crack. The finished compass, while much lighter than one made of brass, is also much more fragile.

One Aluminum Solar Compass came to market at Skinners Auction 15 or so years ago and brought over 17K. I was told it later sold privately for 60K. There is another example currently on eBay as of Sept 2020 priced at 24K. The author of that ad, a well known authority on antique surveying instruments states that his is one of only a few others known. I had another collector tell me of a couple others he was aware of.

I went inside looking for a date or maker info. I saw no date info. The number 14 was stamped under the plate. The Burt Solar Attachment is also stamped # 14. It could be a serial # or have another explanation. There were some other marks and scratches inside, but they appeared to be reference marks related to assembly.

Inside the original fitted box, in the top compartment, is a dead mint 1920 Gurley Catalog and some other Gurley marked material from the same era. The catalog

W. & L. E. Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass Rare Antique

is still in the original mailing envelope. There are also some newspaper scraps used for packing that are dated 1920. I believe the compass itself dates from the 1890s, some 20 - 30 years earlier, and that the instrument with the 1920 catalog went into storage around 1920.

The overall condition of this Aluminum Solar Compass is nice. Both level vials are good although one is blue and one clear. All motions and adjustments turn freely. There are two bases. One is a brass leveling head for use with a tripod, and one a brass knuckle joint for mounting the compass to a staff. The striding level is present as is the adjustment bar. The striding level is full, but appears to have a hairline crack in it.

There are also two small sight vane attachments with a fitted spot in the box. The tops of the brass sight vanes are different designs, one rounded and one w/ a peak. The cutouts, patina, and finish match on both. Note that the holes through the aluminum plate under both sight vanes have been slightly enlarged for some reason. This Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass is an amazing instrument that will fit into many different collections. A rare opportunity.

RS-GUR-ASCOMP-3

Good . . . . . . $15,000.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

W. & L. E. Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass The Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass is amongst the rarest of the rare, and most desirable and sought after of all antique surveying instruments. The overall condition of this Aluminum Solar Compass is very nice.

Gurley made an aluminum version of their solar compass for just a few years starting in the 1890s and only a handful are known to exist or thought to have been produced.

Gurleys use of Aluminum during this time period was very unusual as Aluminum was a relatively new material whose characteristics had not

been fully developed, understood, or perfected. Aluminum from this period was very brittle and prone to crack. The finished compass, while much lighter than one made of brass, is also much more fragile.

I went inside this compass looking for dates or maker info. It is marked May 04. There are other marks as well, but I can not make them out. A code of sorts. There were some other marks and scratches inside, but they appeared to be reference marks related to assembly.

Inside the original fitted box, in the top compartment, are fittings to hold an auxiliary scope. The Gurley auxiliary scope with circular vernier scale that is presently

fitted on the sight vane does not fit in the lid compartment. While the scope is by Gurley, and the proper type from the correct era, the box can not accommodate the circular vernier scale this scope has. The current scope was added later and so some of the many pics below show it without. It is offered as part of the unit now, and included in the price.

All motions and adjustments turn freely. There is an original counterweight attached to one sight vane that also has a place on the display board and in the box. The aluminum sight vanes fit perfectly. Both level vials are good. The trough compass works properly.

This Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass is truly an amazing and historically important instrument that will fit into many different collections. A rare opportunity.

AMN-G-SCOMP

Fine . . . . . . $18,500.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

Misc. Instruments
Tripods - Sextants - Alidades - Levels - Plain Tables etc.

Gurley 18" Wye Level This early Gurley surveying instrument looks great and will display nicely. It has a nice even patina. The optics are OK, with an halo or something off across the top corner. Like a piece of flug inside. There are no crosshairs. The box is pretty nice as well.

Click for Pic                Click for Pic                Click for Pic                Click for Pic

Click for Pic                Click for Pic                Click for Pic                Click for Pic

Click for Pic                Click for Pic                Click for Pic                Click for Pic

AUC-G18-WYE

Good . . . . . . $495.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

Gordon Roberts Compascope Scope w/ Compass

Gordon Roberts Compascope Scope Surveying Level w/ Compass This instrument was marketed by Abercrombie & Fitch. The compass face of this unusual surveying instrument / level is a floating disc that has most of the info on it.

An interesting design instrument with the unusual added feature of a tiny flashlight like device to light it up for use on a "dull day or nightime" according to the instruction sheet. Complete with instructions and wooden box. Also included is the ebay write-up from 1999 when the collector first bought it.

Click For Pic Click For Pic Click For Pic Click For Pic

Click For Pic Click For Pic Click For Pic Click For Pic Click For Pic

HG-COMP-SCOP

Good + . . . . . . $95.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

Alco / SF Split Fixed Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod The top cover is marked ALCO / SF. The outside Dia. is approx. 2 7/8". This split leg tripod would be a good candidate for repurposing if you want a genuine antique instead of what is now being offered.

click for Pic click for Pic click for Pic click for Pic click for Pic

AMN-ALCO-TPOD

Good + . . . . . $75.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

W. & L. E. Gurley Collapsible Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod This tripod is in good overall condition. One leg clamp is a replacement. The rest is all good. The top cover is marked Gurley. The mount size is 3 1/2 x 8 TPI. A perfect candidate for your Gurley or many other makers surveying instruments.

Or repurposing if you want a genuine antique instead of what is now being offered. A perfect candidate for a lamp base or other Steampunk application if you want a genuine antique tripod instead of what is now being offered.

click for Pic click for Pic click for Pic click for Pic click for Pic

AMN-G-TPOD

Good + . . . . . $225.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

Planimeter / Steam Indicators

A. Lietz San Francisco No. 3651-30 Compensating Polar Planimeter The Compensating Polar Planimeter is a tool used for measuring the area of irregular shapes on maps, blueprints, and technical drawings. In its original case and outer box. Includes instructions. It is in fine unused condition!

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

HG-LIETZ-CPP-NOS

Fine. . . . . $50.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

Misc. Surveying Tools
Tripods / Plumb Bobs / Chains & More
for Architects / Engineers & Surveyors

W. & L. E. Gurley 66' No. 12 Steel Link Chain This link chain is in very good overall condition. Handles are marked and tags are present. Light rust. The links are welded indicating it is early.

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

AUC-G-66CHN

Good + . . . . . $275.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

Chesterman 100' Steel Link Chain This 100' Chesterman link chain is in very good overall condition. Handles are marked and tags are present. Light rust. The links are welded indicating it is early.

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

AUC-C-100CHN

Good + . . . . . $195.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

Keuffel & Esser / K & E 130' No. 12 Steel Link Chain This 130' K & E Steel link chain is in very good overall condition. Handles are marked and tags are present. Light rust. The links are welded indicating it is early. Kind of an length but then I am not a surveyor.

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

AUC-KE-130CHN

Good + . . . . . $325.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

K & E / Keuffel & Esser Compensated Altimeter / Barometer Nice looking antique surveying related instrument. The leather case is nice. The instrument seems OK. It has a great look.

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

Click for Pic

HG-KE-ALTIM

Good + . . . . . $150.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

4 Plumb Bobs All are pretty nice. From the left. The large one in the box is a mis-match, Sokia in a K & E box. The second one with reel is an unmarked Stanley No. 1. The turnip is nice, and has a logo stamp on the side, and the 8 oz. K&E in box looks to be unused.

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic

HG-PB-1 HG-PB-2 HG-PB-3 SOLD!! HG-PB-4

Left - Good + . . . . . $15.00

Reel - Good + . . . . . $85.00

Turnip - Good + . . . . . $55.00 SOLD!!

K&E - Good + . . . . . $15.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com

Dating Your Surveying Instrument

Here is a link to a website that can help you date your Transit / Level or other Surveyor's Instrument.
http://www.surveyhistory.org/how_old_is_my_instrument.htm

We buy quality
Surveying & Engineering Related Antiques
and other categories of Antiques.

To view examples of the types of antiques and collectibles we have previously sold
and are always interested in buying please visit our Past Sales Archive Pages at our sister website www.AntiqBuyer.com.

BACK to Surveying

Antique & Vintage
Surveying / Surveyor Instruments & Tools

Keuffel & Esser / K & E Transits

Transits / Theodolites by
Young / Buff / Berger / Dietzgen / Lietz & Misc. Makers

W. & L. E. Gurley & Others
Surveying / Surveyor
Compasses / Solar Compasses / Telescopes

Misc. Instruments
Tripods - Sextants - Alidades - Levels - Plain Tables etc.

Planimeter / Steam Indicators

Misc. Surveying Tools
Tripods / Plumb Bobs / Chains & More
for Architects / Engineers & Surveyors

Antique & Vintage Surveying / Surveyor Instruments & Tools

Keuffel & Esser / K & E Transits

Transits / Theodolites byYoung / Buff / Berger / Dietzgen / Lietz & Misc. Makers

W. & L. E. Gurley & Others Surveying / SurveyorCompasses / Solar Compasses / Telescopes

Misc. InstrumentsTripods - Sextants - Alidades - Levels - Plain Tables etc.

Planimeter / Steam Indicators

Misc. Surveying Tools Tripods / Plumb Bobs / Chains & Morefor Architects / Engineers & Surveyors

Antique & Vintage
Surveying / Surveyor Instruments & Tools

Transits / Theodolites by
Young / Buff / Berger / Dietzgen / Lietz & Misc. Makers

W. & L. E. Gurley & Others
Surveying / Surveyor
Compasses / Solar Compasses / Telescopes

Misc. Instruments
Tripods - Sextants - Alidades - Levels - Plain Tables etc.

Misc. Surveying Tools
Tripods / Plumb Bobs / Chains & More
for Architects / Engineers & Surveyors