Keuffel & Esser / K & E Transits
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.
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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 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
Queen & Co. Aluminum Transit
w/ Tripod This is an unusual light mountain
size Aluminum transit by the well known PA maker Queen & Co. The serial # is
5505. It weighs a mere XXXX. Similar instruments in brass would weigh close to twice as much. Aluminum transits by any maker from this period are pretty unusual. According to information provided by a well known surveying instrument collector, it is only the 2nd Aluminum transit known by Queen.
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 + . . . . . . $1095.00
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 + . . . . . . $2495.00
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 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
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 + . . . . . . $16,500.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
W.
& L. E. Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass Despite
the fact I have two listed, 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 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.
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 that is not present. All motions and adjustments turn freely. There is an original counterweight attached to the display board. 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
Misc.
Plain Tables - Sextants etc..
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 . . . . . . $395.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Misc. Surveying Tools
Tripods / Plumb Bobs / Chains & More
for Architects / Engineers & Surveyors
Two Hand Held Grade Levels / Abney The
one with the leather case is a Dietzgen, the other is unmarked. Both
are in nice condition. Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic
AMN-ABNEY-D AMN-ABNEY-SQ
Dietzgen - - - Good + . . . . . . $20.00
Unmarked - - - - - Good . . . . . . $12.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
British
WWII Era Mk 5 Heliograph Mirrors 2
Replacement mirrors for your heliograph set-up. Marked as seen on the
tin lid. Nice condition. Click For Pic Click For Pic Click For Pic Click For Pic
SACB-HELIO-M
Good + . . . . . . $30.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Misc. Surveying Instrument Tripods
for Architects / Engineers & Surveyors
W. & L. E. Gurley No. 3100 Cox's Stadia Computer These
Cox Stadia Computers / Circular Calculators can be found by various makers.
This one is by Gurley and in like new condition. Gurley probably gave them
away to customers. Note the back is full
of advertising for Gurley.
COX-STADIA
Good + . . . . . . $12.50
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Ross
Precision Computer Manual & Meridograph Related Paper All
original, not reprints. The Ross Computer / Calculator, was a circular
slide rule out of San Francisco. It was a great design that was poorly
executed. The scales started peeling off minutes after leaving the
production line. Few are ever found, and most all have condition
problems. The manual did better and is in nice condition.In addition to the Ross Computer the same fellow also offered what is known as the Meridograph, a Surveyor's True North calculator. It is also a pretty unusual thing as Google has just one picture of one I sold over 10 years ago. In any case, there is also some paperwork here concerning that calculator that I am sure somebody, somewhere needs / wants.
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AMN-ROSS-PAPR
Good + . . . . . . $55.55 / Lot
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Thacher / Thatcher
Calculating Instrument Calculator / Slide Rule
15 Page Instruction Pamphlet All
original, not a reprint. I am not sure if this ever had a cover or not.
It is instructions and testimonials, 15 pages all told for an early Thacher
/ Thatcher calculator. I see no date, nor do I see a model number to
indicate if this predates K & E numbering their Thacher the 4100.
I think it is correct with 15 pages and was a supplemental, or quick guide,
as opposed to a full set of instructions. The condition is as seen.
Frayed w/ loose pages. Note, if you seek
a complete booklet of instructions, w/ original covers from 1917, see the ad below.
THACH-CAL-15
Fair . . . . . . $40.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Thacher
Calculator Instrument 1917 Instruction
Manual / Booklet All
original, not a reprint. From 1917. Fragile w/ cover split on first page /
cover. Nice!!
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THACH-CAL-BK
Good + . . . . . . $150.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Lietz
& Dietzgen Surveyors
Wooden Jacob Staffs for Compass / Surveying Instruments
The wooden Jacob Staff on the left or top is a NOS marked Lietz that was probably made by K & E. It still has nearly all of its
original finish and has just minor scuffs from storage. It is a tapered 6 or 8 sided pole with a tapered tip waiting to be sized to fit your compass or
other surveying instrument. Very nice!!On the right, or bottom is a round pole marked Dietzgen with a decorative tapered top mount that has never been sized and is waiting for that instrument you have to be fitted to it. Either of these would be the perfect piece for historical reenactments or similar uses. Both of these wooden surveying Jacob staffs are in excellent / NOS condition and ready for use or display.
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CC-JROD-1 CC-JROD-2
Top . . . . . . Fine . . . . . $100.00 SOLD!!
Bot . . . . . Fine + . . . . . $100.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Spanish
Dipping Compass / Gold & Treasure Hunters Dowsing Rod w/ Gold Filled Power Tube
Every serious
treasure hunter, gold seeker, and water witcher needs now, or needed one of these back in the day.It is not just a typical dowsing rod for water, this version, with its gold filled "POWER TUBE" is a near magical model that can make one richer beyond their wildest dreams. If you believe the hype.
It is pictured with a copy of the reprinted 1600s book Jacob's Rod - A Dowsers Guide and that important reference is included in the sale price.
This dowser looks much like a typical water dowser in design with its twin handles. It is different from a typical dowsing rod in that it has a power tube filled with magic "gold like" nuggets that supposedly enhances its abilities and somehow helps in the search for treasure and wealth. I personally guarantee it is not real gold.
There is a different Spanish Dip Compass with slightly different features pictured and described in my past sales archives on www.AntiqBuyer.com. Internet searches will turn up other examples and more info.
The original handles are included but have suffered over the years and are now very fragile and one has a tape repair. A past owner / user made a replacement pair of handles that look good and work just as well finding hidden treasures. Pun intended. He could not afford to just get another one.
I heard one could take a course in using this sort of thing at Trump University, but alas, they are now closed, or at PT Barnum's continuing education site if you can find it. Better yet just send me the money and I will enroll you in the one of your choice.
We do not take Trump Bucks in case you are invested in those. I will consider a trade for multiple "Trumpy Bears" or Trump NFTs though.
On a more serious note there are current day versions of these treasure finders offered today on the internet for the incredible, and almost unbelievable price of over 2K, and an enhanced model for 3K that has the added feature of a small wire antenna to even further enhance the power tubes ability.
Oh Lordy!! the Con never end. Times change, cons come and go, but this one lives on. Here is the address to view todays version. www.simmonsscientificproducts.com/pmr_ii.html Other less expensive versions are offered on eBay for todays cheaper treasure hunters and bottom feeding bargain hunters lurking about there.
P. T. Barnum and Don the Con would be proud.
Just in case, and to be clear, and to be absolutely sure there is no confusion, or mistake, this is device is being sold as a collectible, and no claims as to usability, functionality, or worth are made.
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C-DOWSER
Good . . . . . $175.00 w/ Book
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Jacob's
Rod - A Dowsers Guide An early reprint of the original French instruction book
from the 1600's on how to use the above Dowser and get rich quick. Below is the info from the title page
A Translation from the French of a rare and Curious Work, A.D. 1693, on the Art of Finding Springs, Mines, and Minerals by Means of the Hazel Rod. To Which is Appended Researches, with Proofs of the Existence of a More Certain and Far Higher Faculty, with Clear and Ample Instructions for Using It
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DKDC-BK
Good + . . . . . $40.00 or free with purchase of the above "Power" Dowsing Rod.
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Surveying & Other Catalogs
A.
Lietz San Francisco 1893 Catalog Nice!!
LCM-LIETZ-1893
Good + . . . . . $275.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
A.
Lietz San Francisco 1899 Catalog Nice!!
LCM-LIETZ-1893
Good + . . . . . $375.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
1908
C. L. Berger & Sons Catalog Nice!!
LCM-1908-BERG
Good + . . . . . $175.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
1898
C. L. Berger & Sons "Successor to Buff & Berger" The Buff & Berger partnership
broke up in 1898 and so this is the 1st edition
Berger Catalog. It is a rebranded Buff & Berger Catalog and carries all the
products the partnership offered including the ultra rare Double Standard
Mining transit offered as the centerfold. NOT A REPRINT!! Rare and Nice!!
LCM-1918-BERGER
Good + . . . . . $275.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
With Compass & Chain
Early American Surveyors & Their Instruments by Silvio A. Bedini
Published 2001. Bedini was a prolific
writer and has a long history researching and studying
surveying instruments. This classic book was published shortly before he died in 2007.
Long out of print and very hard to find. His life and works are documented at Wikipedia. Nice!!
GV-BEDINI-BK
Good + . . . . . . $275.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
The Makers Of Surveying Instruments In America
by Charles Smart Volume 1. Published by The Regal Art Press in Troy, New York in 1962. It contains approx.
182 pages and has many photos and illustrations.
It measures approx. 9 1/4" x 6 1/4" x 3/4". A must have for surveying
instrument collectors. Nice!!
GV-SMART-BK
Good + . . . . . . $150.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Chaining The Land: A History Of Surveying In California By Francois D. Uzes
Francois D. Uzes began his surveying career in
California in 1954. As head of the Boundry Determination Unit, he was responsible for inventorying, surveying, mapping
and determining the boundaries of four and a half million acres of state-owned land. He was a collector of old surveying
instruments, books and maps. He ran the website CompleteSurveyor, that his son now operates. Contains appendices and an index,
and black-and-white illustrations throughout. Nice!!
GV-UZES-BK
Good +. . . . . . $100.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Illustrated Price Guide
to Antique Surveying Instruments By Francois D. Uzes
Published in 1980. Prices are dated, but info
is worthwhile. A good reference. Nice!!
GV-UZES-PGBK
Good + . . . . . . $25.00
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 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.