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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
Gurley 7" Explorer Level
This unusual size Gurley surveyors level is not shown
in either of my Gurley Manuals from the period that it was manufactured,
but I have been told that it does appear in some catalogs.
Mine only speak about levels ranging in size from the small 12" Architects
Level to 22" Engineer models used for laying out huge
projects like railroads and large lines. This size unit was offered
as an accessory or companion instrument for the Explorer Size Transit that
Gurley produced for use in the wilds. The Explorer size instruments were made as small and
lightweight as possible so that they could be carried further into the
field to accomplish more exacting tasks that were being called for as this
country was developing and being divided up.
Good . . . . . $895.00 SOLD
W.
& L. E. Gurley Surveyor's or Engineer's # 376 Y Level
This Wye 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. Gurley Wye Level
This Wye level is in overall very nice condition. The scope is 24"
long. Levels this size were used to lay long straight lines like
for railroads and general surveys.
The optics are clear and the crosshairs are present. The box is nice.
Good . . . . . $675.00 SOLD
W.
& L. E. Gurley Surveyor's or Engineer's # 376 Y Level It is in overall very nice condition.
The optics are clear and the crosshairs are present. This level is
later and probably dates from the 20's or later. It has a green
laquer finsih to help with the glare.
Good . . . . . $495.00 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
Bradshaw's
Patent Sighting Level
This sighting level is in super original
condition. Although the idea of using a wooden level as a sight level
is well known I have never seen this maker and set-up before, and a Google search
did not turn up anything on the inventor / patentee, Bradshaw, and just a few
entries on the English maker Harling of London. The level and the worm
drive adjuster are in near mint condition and still sport most of the original
finish. The cloth over board carrying case is nice as well. The
tripod is an odd offset affair and it has a tapered post at the top to receive
the level. This will display nicely, and is quite showy in its own right.
Good . . . . . $695.00 SOLD
Stackpole
& 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 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.
Good . . . . . $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.
Good . . . . . $1500.00 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
Leitz
Convertible Level / Transit This small
builders level / transit is in good condition. The red finish is original
and proper. The optics are bright and clear. The crosshairs present. I
would estimate it dates from before WWII. It is a precision built
instrument that will be a great user for layouts, lines, and corners or
serve as a nice example of a simple instrument from the little known west
coast maker A. Lietz.. It is set up so that the scope can be removed and then set
back in 90 degrees for what you see and it could then be used as a rough
transit as well. Hence the name convertible to describe this style
instrument. It will make a good user, or look great as part of the
display. The stiff legged tripod is included in the price
as well.
TL-LEITZ-BL
Good + . . . . . . . $245.00 SOLD!
This is just a sample of the many antiques we have sold. Click link to see other Sales Archive Pages on this Site.
We can help you sell quality Antiques Contact Us.
For further info on consigning / selling your antiques
with us please see our FAQ page,
the
Appraisal / Selling Page and the
Selling
Your Collection Pages.
Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.
This website is Copyrighted
(1998 -
2009)
Larry & Carole Meeker