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 + . . . . . . $19,000.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
K
& E / Keuffel & Esser Survey Compass
Here is an interesting and unusually small and lightweight surveyors compass at just
about 12 inches long. The box has a brass label with a serial #
28958 that matches the # under the glass. That would date this compass from shortly after the turn of
the century. It is in fine overall condition. The compass face is 4" Dia. The plate or arms are cast brass with an turned edge that gives it depth, and added strength as the arms are so thin. The sight vanes fit well and are 4 1/2" tall. The compass needle measures just under 4" swings to north and the lock operates. The level vials are located under the glass and are full. It comes with a nice knuckle joint staff adapter. The box is nice. A nice looking early 20th century surveying instrument that will display nicely.
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KP-KE-COMP
Good + . . . . . . . $695.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
W.
& L. E. Gurley Survey Compass The box has a label for an outfit called Williams & Brown of Philadelphia.
The compass bears only the Gurley name. I could find few references to them in references or online.
They must have been an early and small Pennsylvania instrument distributer that were not around for long.The compass measures approx. 15 inches long. The compass needle swings to north and the lock operates. The level vials are full. The tally keeper is good. The sight vanes fit well. It comes with a nice knuckle joint staff adapter. The box is nice and the Williams & Brown label there is protected with a piece of plastic. A nice looking early 19th century surveying instrument that will look nice on display.
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MTIDD-GUR-COMP-3
Good + . . . . . . $595.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Levels
Wye - Dumpy - Farm - Drainage etc.
C.
F. Richardson Survey Level Scope w/ Extra Level, Tripod & Box
An unusual piece by a relatively obscure level and tool maker that was
ultimately bought out by Goodell Pratt and Starrett. It is in very nice condition
and dates from the late 1800s. The box is original and OK. There are two of the special design 10" levels w/ cast in mounting points, and one 12" nickel plated scope that attaches to the top. The levels and scope are in fine condition. It will make for a nice display piece in a number of settings or would be perfect for re-enactments or things of that sort!! Graphic & Nice!!
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TX-R-LVL-BOX
Good + . . . . . . $450.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Starrett
101 C Surveying Level
Lightly
used. No legs or box. A nice condition display piece.Click For Pic Click For Pic Click For Pic Click For Pic
TX-STARRETT-SLVL
Fine . . . . . $40.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
W.
& L. E. Gurley 20" Wye Level in Box
A nice looking large wye level by W. & L. E. Gurley the premier
makers of surveying instruments in America. I see no serial # and so believe it dates from prior to 1908.It is in very nice condition. The green lacquer finish is quite nice with a few rough spots. Crosshairs present, optics good. The scope is approx. 20" long. Box is nice noting the swinging hooks have gone missing. It will make for a nice display piece in a number of settings or would be perfect for re-enactments or things of that sort!! Graphic & Nice!!
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MT-GWYE
Good + . . . . . . $495.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Keuffel
& Esser / K & E 12" Wye Level in Box
A nice looking smaller wye level by Keuffel & Esser one of the premier
surveying instruments makers in America. The serial # of 1403 would
date this from pre 1900. It is in very nice un-cleaned condition and has
developed a nice even patina. Crosshairs present, optics good. The
scope is approx. 11" long. It will make for a nice display in a number of settings or would be
perfect for re-enactments or things of that sort!! Nice!!
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SR-KE12-W
Fine . . . . . . $225.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Alidades
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 + . . . . . . $195.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Gurley
High Post Alidade in Box
The serial # of 522385 would
date this from 1952. It is in good condition. Crosshairs present, optics good. Good bubble. Compass
works. All
motions are free. The scope is approx. 10" long. The box is
good. The striding level is present and OK, noting the release
button is missing. Nice!!
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SR-G-ALI-52
Good + . . . . . . $195.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Union
Instrument Co. Alidade & Compass in Leather Covered Box
A nice looking set-up where both the folding arm alidade and trough compass
fit into the leather covered box. These were used in the field w/ a
plane table. Nice!!Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic
SR-UNION-ALA
Fine . . . . . . $50.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
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