Meeker's
Mechanical
Nature Antiques
Larry and Carole
Meeker

Purveyors of Americana
Patented & Mechanical Antiques
www.Patented-Antiques.com

patentedantiques@gmail.com
Orders / Inquiries / Questions

530-748-7297
(ORDERS ONLY)

Antique & Vintage
Surveying / Surveyor Instruments & Tools


Keuffel & Esser / K & E Transits


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

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ARG-KE-5074

Good +  . . . . . . $750.00

To Order Email:  patentedantiques@gmail.com


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


Lietz Mining Transit w/ Auxiliary ScopeA. 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





uropean Brass Theodolite w/ Beveled Limb and MagnifiersEuropean 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.

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HG-B-THEO

Good +. . . . . 595.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





TOKO 10 x 5 WWII Japanese Transit TheodoliteJapanese 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!!

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HG-JAP-TRAN

Good + . . . . . . $495.00

To Order Email:  patentedantiques@gmail.com


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


Antique W. & L. E. Gurley Aluminum Solar CompassW. & 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 catalogW. & 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.

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RS-GUR-ASCOMP-3

Good  . . . . . . $15,000.00

To Order Email:  patentedantiques@gmail.com






Gurley Solar Compass with ScopeW. & L. E. Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass  Despite the fact I have two listed, Gurley Aluminum Solar Compasses are amongst the rarest of the rare and most desirable and sought after of all antique surveying instruments. Gurley made an aluminum version of their solar compass for just a few Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass Interioryears starting in the 1890s and only a handful are known to exist or thought to have been produced.

Gurley's' 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. The overall condition of this Aluminum Solar Compass is very nice. Both level vials are good. The trough compass works properly.

Inside the original fitted box, in the top compartment, are fittings to hold an auxiliary scope. The Gurley auxiliary scope with vernier scale it presently fitted on the Antique Gurley Solar Compasssight vane does not fit in the lid compartment. While the scope is a Gurley, and proper type and era, the box can not accommodate the circular scale this scope has. The scope with scale 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. This Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass is truly an amazing instrument that will fit into many different collections. A rare opportunity.

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AMN-G-SCOMP

Fine . . . . . . $18,500.00

To Order Email:  patentedantiques@gmail.com






W. & L. E. Gurley Explorer / Expedition AlidadeW. & L. E. Gurley Explorer / Expedition Alidade This Gurley Alidade is in good overall condition. The optics are OK.  The leather covered case is OK and shows its age. The serial # indicates it dates from 1927.

These small alidades without a post are referred to as the Explorer or Expedition model and were typically used in the field with plane tables for mapmaking and road or plan drawing. The round level bubble is there, but enlarged. The trough compass needle seems to be OK. It has the auxiliary Beaman Stadia Arc w/ Magnifier.

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AMN-G-ALIDADE

Good  . . . . . $175.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





Gordon Roberts Compascope Scope w/ CompassGordon 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.

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HG-COMP-SCOP

Good + . . . . . . $95.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com


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


Tripods


Antique Tapered Fixed Leg Surveying Transit TripodTapered Fixed Leg Transit Tripod This is a very nice tapered leg tripod for a large Surveying instrument. I see no maker name.  The outside Dia. is approx. 4 3/8".  It has a carefully done period repair to one of the legs at the top as shown in the pics.  A perfect candidate for repurposing as well if you want a genuine antique instead of what is now being offered.

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AMN-B-TPOD

Good + . . . . . $225.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





Alco / SF Split Fixed Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod 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.

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AMN-ALCO-TPOD

Good + . . . . . $75.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com






W. & L. E. Gurley Collapsible Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod W. & L. E. Gurley Collapsible Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod This tripod is in good overall condition.  One lag 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 any other makers surveying instrument or repurposing if you want a genuine antique instead of what is now being offered.

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AMN-ALCO-TPOD

Good + . . . . . $225.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com


Planimeter / Steam Indicators


A. Lietz San Francisco No. 2022 PlanimeterA. Lietz San Francisco No. 2022 Planimeter This c. 1900 Planimeter was made in Germany for the A. Lietz Co. It is in its original case and in fine condition!

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HG-LIETZ-P1

Fine. . . . . $40.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





A. Lietz San Francisco No. 3651-30 Compensating Polar PlanimeterA. 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!

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HG-LIETZ-CPP-NOS

Fine. . . . . $50.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





K & E / Keuffel & Esser 62-0015 Compensating Polar PlanimeterK & E / Keuffel & Esser 62-0015 (old # 4242) 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, outer sleeve box, and includes the instruction manual. It is in fine unused condition!

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HG-KE-CPP

Fine. . . . . $55.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





K & E / Keuffel & Esser  # 4242 Compensating Polar PlanimeterK & E / Keuffel & Esser  # 4242 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. It is in fine little used condition!

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HG-KE-CPP-4242

Fine. . . . . $30.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com



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


K & E / Keuffel & Esser Compensated Altimeter / BarometerK & 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.

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HG-KE-ALTIM

Good + . . . . . $150.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





Keuffel & Esser No 5285 Mining Lamp and PlummetK & E / Keuffel & Esser No 5285 Mining Lamp and Plummet Super original condition Miners Plummet Lamp in its original box. The box is very nice and the locking catches are good. The leather strap is very nice, has been conditioned.  The plummet itself is lightly marked on the side. It looks to have seen little use and is damage free.  It has a second point I have never seen with one before as well. 

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AMN-KE-PLUM

Good + . . . . . $1450.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





4 Vintage & Antique Plumb Bobs4 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.

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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.

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