Keuffel & Esser / K & E Transits
K
& E / Keuffel & Esser # 5081 1/2 Engineers Mining Transit w/ Aux Scope
/ Tripod & Attachments in Original Box This
is a very nice condition Engineer's Mining Transit. It is in near mint
original condition. The black crinkle finish is 95% or better and near
pristine noting just a few minor scuffs. It looks to have seen little
use. All motions operate smoothly. The silvered compass face is
flawless, and the 3 1/2" Gold compass needle swings north. Cross hairs
are present in both scopes. 1 white plastic vernier scale cover is missing.
NO other apologies. The nice collapsible leg tripod is included as well.The serial # 124,320 is found on the box, the horizontal plate of the instrument and is on the second scope as well. That dates this mining transit from 1952 according to the charts available at www.surveyhistory.org.The K & E marked loupe, plumb bob, oiler and more are all present. Note how the plumb bob comes apart and is made to hold a second tip. An unusual feature that is not seen very often.
Mining transits were developed for use in mines or places where the user would need to shoot a line where the plate would be in the way. The scope could be mounted on either the top over the main scope, or on the outboard side. The counterweight is also present.
This graphic, rare & desirable surveying instrument will display very nicely in a mining related collection or a number of other settings. Very Nice!!
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SR-KE-5081-HF
Fine + . . . . . . $1750.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
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 rare. 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.
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ARG-KE-5074
Good + . . . . . . $795.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
W. & L. E. Gurley Transits
All SOLD!!
Transits / Theodolites by
Young / Buff & Buff / Berger / Dietzgen
/ Lietz & Misc. Makers
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!!
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GV-LIETZ-MINE
Good + . . . . . . $2250.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Bausch & Lomb
Surveying Transit Bausch & Lomb
is most famous for their line of binoculars
and other optics but ventured in to the surveying instrument field after George N. Saegmuller,
the inventor of the solar attachment that bears his name, joined the company in 1905.
They stopped making instruments for the general public during WWI so they were
not in the surveying instrument business for long. There is a nice history
on the company at the
SurveyHistory.org
site. This transit has the logo the company adopted after 1907 and dates from right around that time period. The transit comes in the proper original box. It is a large, heavy, and overall nice condition piece. All motions are free, optics OK but not really crisp, good bubbles, crosshairs, etc. Box is nice.
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TIDD-BL-TRAN
Good + . . . . . . $350.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
G. W. Wilson Concord New Hampshire c. 1877 Transit
This unusual Engineer size Surveying transit is in
very nice condition. Smarts book has a short Bio on G. W. Wilson, an
early New England maker, but scant other info comes up with Google searches.
He is not in the Smithsonian 's list of makers, nor listed in the Compass
Makers Directory.Note the very unusual pillar style round standards. They have a great look and are a near unique feature for transits. All the bubbles are good. Compass points north and the compass face is nicely engraved. Nice even patina. Also included is the correct and proper taper leg tripod (not pictured). You must view the pics to see how nice and different this instrument is from the typical instruments from this era. The compass is clearly marked with the maker name and location as well as the 1877 date. A nice piece that will fi into many different collections.
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TMK-WILSON-T
Good + . . . . . . . $1995.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Breithaupt
/ Kassel Mining Suspension Theodolite in Box
This unusual instrument is NOS never been used. It appears it was sold
through K & E and dates from the 70's. There is a translated set of
instructions for use and a K & E bulletin announcing their carrying the
product is included. Basically it
is a theodolite designed to be hung upside down from preset points installed
in mines or tunnels. I found another in a collection with a good description http://www.sage.unsw.edu.au/currentstudents/ug/projects/f_pall/html/t11.html. I did not do a good job of showing the knuckle joint like attachment on the bottom that one would use to mount it from the ceiling of the mine or tunnel. Different, Unusual, and Very Nice!!
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SR-DOWN-MINE
Fine . . . . . . $595.00 SOLD!!
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Breithaupt & Sohn Cassel Theodolite
This small transit / theodolite was manufactured in
approx. 1898 by F. W. Breithaupt & Sohn, in Cassel, Germany (today's
'Kassel'). The scope is 8 1/4" long. The total height is 12". The magnetic
compass is 3" diameter, with a
360 degree silver ring. The needle is 2" long. It seems complete, including the
double vernier vertical circle w/ magnifiers. Bubble levels are good. It has a
three leg leveling head and beveled limb or plate. A beautiful instrument
that will display well. Nice!!
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GV-CASSEL
Good + . . . . . . $695.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
William
Young / Maker Philadelphia Transit A
very early and nice example of William Young's work. Young is credited
with producing the first surveying instruments known as transits in the 1830s.
The serial # of this transit is 3859. The Smithsonian has a very
similar instrument in their collection with a serial # in the three
thousands that they date as being from the 1850s.
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AH-YOUNG-T
Good + . . . . . $695.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
William
Young ALUMINUM Transit A
unusual and nice example of William Young's work. Young is credited
with producing the first surveying instruments known as transits in the 1830s.
The serial # of this transit is in the 8000s thus dating it from shortly
after the turn of the century and before they sold out to K & E in 1918
or so.
The use of Aluminum in surveying instruments, because of the light weight, is
quite unusual on instruments this early. Aluminum was
still a relatively new material to work with and had drawbacks in use.
As can be seen some parts are in brass as well, and the contrasting materials,
and finishes give it a very pleasing look.The transit has been cleaned and adjusted. The motions are OK noting some stiffness in the main plate vernier. Good optics w/ crosshairs. It comes in the original box. The fixed leg wooden tripod, with an Aluminum head is included as well.
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ALA-YOUNG-AT
Fine . . . . . $1195.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Queen & Co. Aluminum Transit
w/ Tripod This is an
unusual light mountain size Aluminum transit by the well known PA maker
Queen & Co. Aluminum transits by any maker from this period are pretty
unusual. According to information
provided by the well known surveying instrument collector Mike Beal, it is only the 2nd known Aluminum
transit known by Queen. The serial # is 5505. It weighs a
mere XXXX. Similar instruments in brass would weigh close to twice as
much. The scope is 8" long and the plate measures approx. 5 1/2. The needle is 4". The compass face has a great looking patterned finish that is very unusual. It also has an unusual 3/4 vertical arc as opposed to a full circle or 1/2 circle that one would normally see. Another unusual feature is the tripod mount. It is a clamp on style as opposed to the typical threaded mount. The optics and crosshairs are good. All motions are free. Bubbles good. It has a great look with its near all aluminum construction and just the screws and a few aux. pieces in brass. An interesting and nice condition instrument for the collection that will make for a nice display piece.
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GV-QUEEN-ALUM
Good + . . . . . . $1250.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Young
& Sons No. 10 Aluminum Transit w/ Smith Solar Attachment This is a rare Young solar transit with an unusual
Smith Patent Telescopic Solar attachment. This transit is called off as No. 10 in an early Young catalogs. The patent for the solar attachment was
first granted in 1880. This example is an improved model that was patented in 1902. The
8513 serial number on the compass face indicates it dates from shortly
after the turn of the century. It has a 4½" horizontal circle, a 4" silvered vertical circle, a 3.3" needle, and a 10" main telescope. The brass telescope on the Smith solar unit is 7" long, and is inscribed "Pat Sep 16, 1902." There is a counterweight that mounts on the standard opposite the side with the solar unit. All motions are free and move smoothly. The compass works as it should. Note that there is a vernier scale on the outside plate, and another under the glass.
Young's use of Aluminum for many of the different parts of the transit is very unusual for an instrument from this time period. Although quite a bit lighter than Brass it was also quite brittle and prone to crack. Its formulation had not yet been perfected to alleviate that problem. There has been a repair done to an aluminum part of the leveling head that can be seen from the bottom. A brass ring has been epoxied to the aluminum bell shaped housing part of the leveling head as it was cracked. That seems to have fixed the problem and it mounts to a tripod with no issues. The transit fits into the lift top box with the solar attachment in place. The box shows age but is OK. The proper tripod is available for an additional $200.00.
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GV-YOUNG-STRAN
Good + . . . . . . $2850.00 SOLD!!
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
H. M. Pool Survey Transit H. M. Pool was
from Easton Mass. Pool was born in 1803, and according to Smart's bio on him
his working dates were from 1828 till his death in 1878. He is best
known for his compasses, and very few transits by him are known. This
transit is
a large, heavy, well built instrument with a very graphic look. The scope measures approx. 9" and the plate is 6 3/4". The compass needle is 4 1/2". The compass works as it should. All motions are free and move smoothly. The bubbles are good. The optics clear, and crosshairs are present. The box is in nice condition. It has a Thaxter label on the door. Thaxter was both a distributer and maker during this period. The transit fits inside, barely. There is no mounting ring on the bottom plate for it to attach to.
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GV-POOL-TRAN
Good + . . . . . . $995.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Surveying / Surveyor
Compasses / Solar Compasses /
Telescopes
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 few years 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, nor understood, or had been perfected. The finished compass, while much lighter than one made of
brass, is also much more fragile. Aluminum from this period was very
brittle and prone to crack.
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 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. That would make this the 3rd or fourth known example. I had another collector tell me of a couple others he was aware of.
I went inside this one 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 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 example is every nice. Both level vials are good although one is blue and one a later clear replacement. All motions and adjustments turn freely. There are two bases. One is a brass leveling head, and one a more typical brass knuckle joint for mounting the compass to a tripod. 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 sight vanes are different designs, one rounded and one w/ a peak. The cutouts, patina, and finish match on both and I believe they are "right". One thing to note is 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.
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RS-GUR-ASCOMP-3
Good + . . . . . . $17,500.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Thomas
Whitney Surveying Compass
The Compass Directory site puts Thomas
Whitney's working dates at
from 1798 to 1823. He was based in Philadelphia PA.
Whitney was a prolific early maker with an interesting history including
the fact that he made instruments for the Lewis & Clark
expedition. William Young apprenticed to him for 7 years before
becoming famous in his own right. The
serial number on this compass is 381.
It is listed in the data base of known instruments he made, and it is dated
as from 1818 in that info. No box. No issues. Good
patina. Nice!!
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GV-WHIT-COMP
Good + . . . . . . $795.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Levels
Wye - Dumpy - Farm - Drainage - Alidades etc.
K
& E / Keuffel & Esser Dumpy Level
This K & E Dumpy is in very good overall condition.
It looks to have seen little use. The serial # is 125338 which
according to the dating chart available online dates make it
from the end of 1952.The optics are good, crosshairs present. Black crinkle finish is 95% or better. The box is present and nice as well. A nice user or display piece.
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TIDD-KE-DUMP
Fine . . . . . . $150.00 SOLD!!
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Gurley
Expedition Size Alidade in Leather Covered Box
The serial # of 272026 would
date this from 1927. It is in good condition. Crosshairs present, optics good. Good bubble. Compass
works. All
motions are free and smooth. The scope is approx. 10" long. The box is solid and shows age
and wear. Nice!!
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SR-G-ALI-27
Good + . . . . . . $175.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Gurley
High Post Alidade in Box The serial # of
521532 would
date this from 1952. It is in very good condition. Black crinkle
finish on scope is good. Crosshairs are present, optics good. Good bubble. Compass
works. All
motions are free and smooth. The scope is approx. 10" long. The box is solid. No key. Nice!!
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GV-G-HPALI-52
Good + . . . . . . $225.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Lutz Tripod & Plane Table w/ Case These
are like new and appear to have never been used. Probably
government surplus or from a school engineering program.
There is a NSN number on the canvas case, but it means nothing to me. Nice!!
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GV-PLN-TBL
Fine . . . . . . $325.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Gurley
25 Inch "Railroad" Wye Level This is an
unusually long wye level at 25" overall. Note how it is designed to be stored in
the box as two pieces. The serial # begins with a 28 dating it
from 1928. From the label in the lid of the box it appears this
was used in South America. Levels with extra long scopes
like this were used to layout long level lines in the field for railroad track,
roads, and the like. The rear eyepiece has to be held and twist tension applied for the rear focus to work
properly and not skip. The crosshairs are good, and the optics are
OK as well. The scope has been polished. A nice display piece.
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GV-G25-WYE
Good + . . . . . . $575.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Sala
Precise Engineer's Level J. C. Sala was
a San Francisco based California instrument maker who worked for and took over
John Roaches business after he died. This level looks to be a specialty
precision level with a very sensitive precise level vial mounted atop the scope. A
typical Dumpy levels vial would not be as sensitive and was typically
mounted beneath the scope. Good optics, crosshairs are present, and
the finishes have appropriate wear. A bit different and unusual. A
nice display piece.
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TIDD-L-SALA
Good + . . . . . . . $175.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
12"
Gurley Wye Level This Gurley Wye
Level is double marked with the name Dietzgen, another drafting supply & instrument maker and distributer in the
early 20th century marketplace. This level must date
from before Dietzgen began produced their own line of instruments and were just
distributers or marketers of them. The instrument itself is pretty nice
with no issues. The box has led a rough life. Painted and the lid has been
refitted / flipped and the hinges reattached. The Gurley label
inside the lid is still present. A
nice display piece.
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TIDD-G-12WYE
Good . . . . . . . $175.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Pair of World War II Era Mark V English Heliographs
This pair of World War II Era Mark V English Heliographs are in nice condition and pretty complete.Heliographs are basically signaling mirrors on stands that were used as a means of communicating over long distances by reflecting light back and forth between the mirrors. Morse code, or other codes were used. Early versions date from the mid 19th century. The English were still using them into the 1960s. Wikipedia has a long detailed write-up that fully explain their history and use.
The entire setup includes two tripods, 2 mounting brackets, 4 mirrors, 2 leather cases, 2 cans of replacement mirrors, and 3 articulated arms - w/ one being an extra.
The tripods are marked as shown in the last pics. Note how the legs are shaped in such a way that when folded up they form a circle. The original leather cases are also marked. One case has dividers inside, the other does not.
A very nice and interesting piece of surveying history that are becoming very hard to find.
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TIDD-HELIO
Good + . . . . . . $895.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
We buy quality Antiques in this 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.
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
This website is Copyrighted
Larry & Carole Meeker