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Antique Surveying Level
Sales Archive
Early W. & L. E. Gurley 16" Surveyor's or Engineer's Level
This dumpy style level dates from approx 1860-1870 and is an example of Gurley's early
design with the level vial mounted above the scope instead of under it as is
typically found on later instruments of similar design. I do not have any
catalogs from this early so I can not give you the exact model #. The Gurley
marking is found on the center of the main support and is almost covered by the
instrument it sits so low to this support piece. Note the distinguishing
large nuts at both ends to mount the vial, thus giving this type of instrument a
very distinctive and early look.
This dumpy style level is in nice
condition overall. I am not even sure if they were making Wye levels like the
model above where you could reverse the scope in the standards by lifting it out
and re-inserting it the other direction this early. Two of the turnbuckle
screws holding the rear lens inside have been replaced but they look fine even
though a slightly different style, and the interior lens is fine. The base
and all the motions and screws there are nice. The optics are clear and the crosshairs are present.
The scope measures just under16" and the level vial is full.
There is no tripod available for this level, and the base is smaller than the 3
1/2 one would typically expect to find. The box is a replacement, craftsman-made
and a nice job, as it is a perfect fit and was probably copied from the original
it is so nicely done. This is a very unusual and early model that is not
seen nearly as often as ones like that offered above or elsewhere. It has
a look and sense about it that is different from the norm and will be a
highlight of the collection focusing on early levels.
Good+
........$1095.00
SOLD!
W.
& L. E. Gurley Surveyor's or Engineer's # 376 Y Level
This level has a serial # of 6952. It is in overall very nice
condition. The optics are clear and the crosshairs are present. I
could count the woodpecker holes in the tree trunk a couple hundred yards away
with no trouble. The tripod is OK as well and the top protector is present
as well. The leather strap on the box is present, original, and
fragile. There is an additional sun shield, but no other accessories in
the box.
Good+
........$795.00
SOLD
W. & L. E. 18" Gurley Dumpy Level This level is in overall nice condition. From the look and the serial # I believe it dates from the 60's The optics are sharp & clear and the crosshairs are present. The scope measures approx 18" and the level vial is full. The Green Crinkle finish is near perfect and from the look of the box and the color this was once the property of the military or forest service.. Levels like this are referred to as Dumpy levels when they do not have the provision to reverse the scope in the standards like the Wye Level pictured at the top of the page. It will make a good user or a nice addition to the collection of later instruments by this well known, respected, and most famous of American instrument makers.
Good+ ........$395.00 SOLD!
Stockpoole & Brother Wye Level This early level is in nice condition. This was a New York firm that was in operation as this partnership during the 1850's It has seen use, but still looks good and will display very nicely. Nice!!
Good+ ........$975.00 w proper tripod SOLD!
Buff
Engineers 20" Y or Wye Level. This
instrument has seen a lot of careful use. It is completely functional and
was carefully used during its years of service here in the Gold Rush country of
California. It dates from the first quarter of the last century it looks
like to me. It has a nice patina and will display well in the den or
office or in any room with a Western Theme as this style of instrument or level
was primarily used to lay out railroads, roads or long survey lines in the
field.
Good+ ..... $325.00
SOLD
Keuffel
& Esser 11" Scope Architect's Level / Convertible Transit
This well made and interesting instrument is by one of the best know and trusted
names in this field. The instrument itself is in excellent condition and
the optics are clear. These levels were designed to be used by builders
and architects and were a versatile and popular tool in their day.
The tattered instructions are dated 1923, and give just the basic idea on how to
adjust and set up the instrument. The idea with this style of instrument
was that in addition to being a standard level, you could take it out of the
base, attach the auxiliary post arms near the middle and then reinserted back
into the base and could be used as a transit as well. Also included is an
aux. triangular plate for use setting this up on a table or off of the tripod
which is not included. The tripod would have an 1 3/8 Dia threaded
hole. These good looking tools make for an affordable display piece for
the budding collector or an interesting addition in the decorators scheme for
the workingman's / builder's /architect's leisure
room. Good+ ..... $345.00 SOLD
Keuffel & Esser #
5120 Engineers Railroad Y Level This
is a very nice condition instrument. Note that the base and scope are
stored in the box as separate pieces. The scope measures 20" and the
optics are clear and bright. The finish, a green bronze lacquer
is 95% or better, and looks great as well. These earlier instruments without the
heavy coats of crinkle black or green finish are so much nicer to display and
look at, and this one is no exception. This Y level has seen little use in the field and shows little sign
of use and has not been abused in any way. Also included is a very nice stiff leg tripod that is
properly marked K & E.
Excellent ..... $695.00
SOLD!
Buff & Berger Precise Level This is a very graphic and unusual instrument. The form has been around since the late 1800's and was developed for the US Coast and Geodedic Survey. There is a lot of information on this form of instrument at the Smithsonian site whose link is below. They have several similar instruments by other makes on display in their virtual museum found there. It is designed for very precise work, and hence the name. The dial at the bottom is a micro adjust for the altitude and the bar across the top is a mirror so that the person using the instrument could view the bubble below at the same time he was viewing through the scope. It takes a special tripod to accommodate the three point leveling base, and if you have one laying in the corner of the garage I am in need of it. Let me know. Excellent ..... $SOLD!
Here is the link to the Smithsonian site. It goes to one of the similar instruments they have in their collection. From there you can go to others, either by type or by maker. If you have the time you can spend hours there as it is very extensive and informative.
http://americanhistory2.si.edu/surveying/maker.cfm