Antique & Vintage
Surveying Levels & Alidades

This is just a sample of the many antique surveying instruments we have sold.
Click link to see other Sales Archive Pages on this Site.

We Buy Quality Surveying Related Antiques
Contact Us at AntiqBuyer@gmail.com

Special Note Concerning Prices Seen Below:
Most prices seen reflect actual sale results from this website.
Prices seen span a long time and may not reflect current values.  Some are selling for more, many now sell for less.
On other pieces you will see no price, or a price range, with or without an explanation.  The reasons for that are discussed on the FAQ page.

Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.

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.

Fine . . . . . . $150.00       SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser 12" Wye Level This small K & E wye level is in very nice condition. The serial # of 15517 would date it from 1908 according to the dating chart found online. Its matte green lacquer finish is very nice. No issues, no apologies. A Genuine and nice display piece.

Fine  . . . . . . . $195.00         SOLD!!

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.

Good + . . . . . . . $175.00       SOLD!!

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!!

TX-R-LVL-BOX

Good + . . . . . . $395.00        SOLD!!

Badger Convertible Transit / Level   I am not sure who made this as I do not recognize the Badger name.  The style might tell somebody better versed.  The idea with this design level / transit is that one could release the scope from its level position, and turn it 90 degrees and lock the scope back in place as a limited form transit.  A limited transit in that it could only shoot about 10 - 20 degrees up or down from level.   

Good + . . . . . . $175.00       SOLD!!

Small Staff Level in Wooden Box   Level is unmarked.  Label in box has info that indicates it is Danish.. The level bubble is good. It is brought into focus by pulling the tube out.   Interesting.

Good +  . . . . . . . $75.00        SOLD!!

Starrett 101 C Surveying Level     Lightly used.  No legs or box.   A nice condition display piece.

Fine . . . . .  $40.00        SOLD!!

Stackpole & Brother Wye Level in Box   A  large & graphic instrument by Stackpole & Brother a well known mid 19th century New York maker.  Note that it is stored in the box as two pieces.  The scope is 18" long.  This typically is referred to as a Railroad or Wye level, either term is correct.  It has not been polished and has a heavy patina that goes with the age.  The box shows considerable wear and is still solid.  The crosshairs are present, and the optics are OK.  It has not been calibrated or tested for use. Big & Graphic. It will make for a nice display in a number of settings!! 

Good + . . . . . . $375.00    SOLD!

C. L. Berger & Sons 18" Wye Level   The serial # of 20761 would date it from the early 1930's.  The previous collector bought it in the 1980's for over $300.00.   Everything works and the optics are crisp and clear. It will make for a fine general purpose user or nice display piece. 

Fine  . . . . . . . $95.00       SOLD!!

Keuffel & Esser / K & E 5110 Engineers 18" Wye Level  A nice Engineer's wye level by Keuffel & Esser one of the premier makers of surveying instruments in America.  It is in very nice condition and the black finish is near perfect. Crosshairs present, optics good.  Good bubble.  All motions are free and smooth.  The scope is approx. 18" long.  No box.  I do have tripods that will fit this instrument on the tripod page.  Very Nice!!

Good + . . . . . . $55.00      SOLD!!

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!!

Fine . . . . . . $150.00       SOLD!!

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!!

Good +  . . . . . . $175.00     SOLD!!

Keuffel & Esser / K & E 5110 Engineers Wye Level in Box     A nice large Engineer's wye level by Keuffel & Esser one of the premier makers of surveying instruments in America.  The serial # of 36693 would date this from 1918. It is in very nice condition and the black finish is near perfect. Crosshairs present, optics good.  Good bubble.  All motions are free and smooth.  The scope is approx. 18" long.  The magnification is 32 power for long range shots. The box is solid and does show the age.   I believe it would be a great user given the condition or it will make for a nice display in a number of settings!!  I do have tripods that will fit this instrument on the tripod page.  Very Nice!!

Fine . . . . . . $195.00     SOLD!!

Keystone Blue Paper Co. Wye Level in Box   A nice looking and good condition instrument in its original box sold by Keystone Blue Paper Co. of Philadelphia PA. The serial # is 9739. It is stamped with the name and number on the side of the base. From the look of it I would think it dates from near the turn of the century and certainly pre WWII. It has not been over cleaned 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!!

Fine . . . . . . $95.00      SOLD!!

T. Whaley / New York Wye Level in Box    A nice looking wye level in its original box. It is stamped with the name and location on the base below the scope. From the look of it I would think it dates from the mid to late 1800s. Crosshairs present, optics OK.  T Whaley is not a listed maker in Smarts, nor is there much info to be found using Google although I did find one ad from the 1870s. The scope is approx. 16" 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!!

Good + . . . . . . $175.00    SOLD!

A Lietz Co. Serial #291 Aluminum Precision Level  This is a pretty unusual surveying instrument in the scheme of things.  With a serial # of 291 we can assume this level was made in the first couple years of Lietz beginning operations in San Francisco in the 1890's.  Their use of Aluminum for almost all of the instrument is very unusual for something this early. 

The finish on the body of the scope is a brown crinkle that has an almost cloth like look and feel to it. The bottom tripod mounting plate and leveling head are the only parts made of brass save a few tightening screws.  The tripod mount has Lietz's patented twist lock mounting feature.  The entire instrument weighs less than 5 lbs.  The main level is mounted on the top of the scope and there is a long folding mirror to aid the user in viewing both the level and through the scope at the same time.   The box is nice with some minor rubs.  There are 3 labels inside the top. 

All in all a nice example of an early Lietz surveying instrument.  It will display very nicely and has a great graphic look to it. 

Fine  . . . . . .  $695.00            SOLD!

T. Street Maker Commercial Road Lambeth English Surveyor's Precise Level w/ Compass  This c. 1900 English surveying instrument seems to be in nice condition.  All motions are free, and the compass works.  The maker info is on the side and hard to decipher given the script style.  I believe it is T. Street.  The location is easier to make out and there are numerous internet references to that location.   The compass works, and there is a magnifier to help read the vernier.  There is also a clip on mirror to see the level when in use.  The optics are clear.  A nice looking instrument that will display nicely!!

Good +. . . . . $495.00      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

12" Beckman Wye Level   Not a bad looking instrument, but his wye level is for decoration only.  There are no crosshairs and the optics are cloudy.  A nice display piece.

Fair  . . . . . . . $40.00    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 . . . . . $795.00      SOLD

Berger Wye Level   This Wye level is in nice condition.    It has seen use, but still looks good and will display  nicely.  

Good . . . . . $195.00      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 . . . . . $395.00      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 . . . . . $395.00       SOLD

Aloe Convertible Level / Transit  This small builders level / transit is in good condition.  Aloe was a St Louis MO maker.   The optics are OK and the crosshairs are present.   I would estimate it dates from before WWII.    It is set up so that the scope can be removed and then set back in 90 degrees from 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.

Good + . . . . . . . $195.00      SOLD!

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 from 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. 

Good + . . . . . . .$250.00       SOLD!

English Surveying Wye Level in Box Unmarked as to maker. Buffed, polished and ready to display. It is real, as in not fake and from India, Pakistan, or elsewhere. Ebay has those.

Looks English, and probably by Stanley / London. The collector has a note that says it is just like another he saw published in a book he had by Turner. I do not have that book. I did find an identical one on the online site Charish for $1450.00 or about 7 times as much. Must be a really special crowd that shops there. Nice!!

Fine  . . . . . . $175.00

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 . . . . . $295.00      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 . . . . . $1795.00       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

Gurley Explorer Low Post Alidade  This Gurley Alidade is in good condition. The leather covered case is nice.  These are referred to as the Explorer model and were typically used in the field.  Alidades were intended for use with plane tables and used in mapmaking and plan drawing.   The optics are good, and the level bubble full.  The small compass needle seems to be OK as well.

Excellent . . . . . $395.00        SOLD

K & E High Post Alidade  This Alidade is in good condition. There is no box but it looks to have spent most of its life in one.  Alidades were intended for use with plane tables and used in mapmaking and plan drawing.    The optics are good, and the level bubble full.  The small compass needle seems to be OK as well.

Excellent . . . . . $325.00          SOLD

Buff & Berger High Post Alidade   This early Buff & Berger Alidade is in good overall condition.  The vial on the striding level is broken, but it is otherwise in nice condition.  It has an interesting look to it with all the mixed metals in natural finish which I believe is original.  There is original lacquer finish on the tail piece still flaking off.   Sometimes when you find instruments like this it indicates the original finish has been stripped and the maker did not care if he used different types or color material, but I do not think that is what is going on here.  I think they just decided to use the contrasting colors to make a visual statement.  The box is original and OK.   Alidades were intended for use with plane tables and used in mapmaking and plan drawing.    The optics are OK.  Buff & Berger began operations in the 1870's and split off into separate companies near the turn of the century which would date this from the 1880's or so. 

Good + . . . . .  $595.00     SOLD

A. Lietz Alidade w/ Box   This well made and interesting instrument is by one of the best know and trusted names in the field of surveying instruments.  The instrument itself is in excellent condition and the optics are clear.  It has three horizontal lines.  These instruments were designed to be used by surveyors and mapping parties.  They were used in the field on a table and map.  Inside the top there is writing and names of different groups that used this over the years.  The earliest I see is from 1924, and I would guess that this piece dates from right around then.  It is clean damage free and operational in all respects.  The separate level pictured was meant to lay on the top of the scope.  The base appears to be made of German Silver or some similar material.  All bubbles are good.  The box is scuffed and scratched but would look much better with a simple cleaning and wax job.

Good+ . . . . . . . $395.00      SOLD

Buff & Buff Explorer Size Alidade  Minty nice in a great mottled gold finish I do not recall seeing before. The box is nice noting the leather is gone.

Fine . . . . . . $350.00       SOLD!!

Berger Expedition Size Alidade in Box   The serial # is 24986. It is in good overall condition. Crosshairs present, optics inverted and good.  Good bubble. Compass works.  All motions are free.  The scope is approx. 10" long. The box is OK noting damage to leather cover and loose lid.   Note the magnifier over the vernier scale.   Nice!!

Good +  . . . . . . $225.00      SOLD!!

Keuffel & Esser / K & E 5093 A Special Alidade in Box   A nice looking instrument by Keuffel & Esser one of the premier makers of surveying instruments in America.  The serial # of 103665 would date this from approx. 1948. It is in very nice condition and looks to have seen little if any use. The scope is approx. 11" long. Crisp optics. Good bubbles and compass.  Note the magnifier on the vernier scale.  Very Nice!!

Fine . . . . . . $275.00      SOLD!!

K & E #5095A Expedition Size Alidade w/ Leather covered Case  This K & E Alidade is in like new, never used condition.  The serial # 97975 indicates it was made in the late forties.   It came from the same stash as the plane tables and other NOS K 7 E pieces I am offering.  It would go perfect with the K & E Plane Table and Tripod I have listed on a separate page.  These were used in topographical and map making and this size was typically used in the field.  The removable striding level is present and nice and all motions are free and smooth. The optics are bright and clear.  The crosshairs present.

Excellent + . . . . . . . $395.00      SOLD!

K & E - Keuffel & Esser High Post Alidade w/ Plane Table & Tripod   The serial # 84214 dates this High Post Alidade from 1943. The instrument is in nice condition with good clear optics.  All motions are free.  There are two eyepieces.  It has been in storage for years, and there is some green tarnish showing on brass parts that will easily clean. The striding level is present and OK.  

The K & E Johnson Head collapsible leg tripod is in fine condition showing little if any signs of use.  The 18 x 24" Plane Table is in like new condition.  The alidade box is OK, but lost one layer of its Oak veneer  ply cover on the top.   Nice!!

Good +  . . . . . . 3 Pieces as a lot . . . . . . $575.00       SOLD!!

Wild Heerbrug N-2 Automatic Level   This instrument was top of the line and cutting edge in its day..  The Swiss maker Wild / Heerbrugg produced some of the best known and widely respected optical surveying instruments ever offered.  This level dates from the 60's and saw little use in the field.  It was purchased during a time of changing technologies and priorities and spent most of its life sitting on a shelf rather than being used on the job.  The serial # is 90887.   The optics are crystal clear, and all motions are operable and seem right.   The image is inverted.  The previous owner did scratch their name into the base with an electric pen. It is not distracting.  There are no other issues or problems   A nice piece for use or the collection.

Fine . . . . . $325.00       SOLD!!

Zeiss / Jena NI 007 Precise Automatic Level   The serial # is 480137. This unusual instrument looks to be virtually unused. It includes the wooden box, original instructions in English, a plastic cover, sunshade, and some small tools stored inside.  I believe it dates from the late 60's / 70's. It is fully operational and all motions are free and move smoothly. Note the lack of any wear to any aspect in the many pics. The 32 power optics are incredibly clear and sharp. Crosshairs are present, image is erect, level bubble full etc. You can see the micrometer and degree scales in the viewers. This unusual surveying instrument spent most of its life sitting on a shelf rather than in the field, The original buyer upgraded to more modern total station instruments shortly after buying it and it has sat virtually unused for 50 some years.  A nice piece for use or the collection.

Fine . . . . . $695.00         SOLD!!

Wild Heerbrugg / Leica NA2 Universal Precision Level W/ Case This Wild Heerbrugg Leica NA2 Universal Precision Level is in good overall used condition. It was well kept. Good optics.

This c. 1990s vintage surveying instrument and related contemporary survey instruments I am currently selling came from a local northern CA. Engineering outfit started in the 1940s. They are still listed in the area, and have moved up, or moved on.

Good + . . . . . . $450.00        SOLD!!

Gurley Alidade   This came from a surplus sale and saw little use in the engineering program it was originally bought for.  Nice condition noting the electric pen ID marks.

Fine . . . . . $395.00      SOLD!!

Gurley Dumpy Level   This 1960's era level came from a surplus sale and saw little use in the engineering program it was originally bought for.  Nice condition noting the electric pen ID marks.

Fine . . . . . $195.00      SOLD!!

Gurley High Post Alidade   This nice looking alidade dates from the 60's and saw little use in the field.  It was purchased at a time of changing technologies and priorities and spent most of its like sitting on a shelf rather than being used.  The optics are crystal clear, the striding level is nice as is the bubble level and magnetic compass.  The previous owners tag is still on the base and they also scratched their name into the base with an electric pen, but it is not distracting.  There are no other issues or problems   Use it or display it, it is a nice piece.

Please note, I also have several Johnson Head Tripods and Plane tables listed on another page if  you are looking for those. 

Fine . . . . . $395.00      SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser #5093A Alidade   This nice condition alidade dates from the 60's or 70's and saw little use in the field.  It was purchased by the engineering department at a local community college at a time of changing technologies and priorities and spent most of its like sitting on a shelf rather than being used.  The optics are crystal clear, and the striding level is nice.  There are spare bubbles, the sunshade, screwdriver and more  No issues or problems other than the name of the school it came from written in the base with an electric pen.   Use it or display it, it is a nice piece.

Please note, I also have several Johnson Head Tripods and Plane tables listed on another page if  you are looking for those. 

Fine . . . . . $350.00      SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser # 5093A High Post Alidade  This alidade is in excellent condition and saw little use.  The serial #  is 172908 which would date it from the early 60's.  It was bought by the engineering department of a local community college and spent most of the last 50 + years sitting on a shelf in a storage closet. 

The optics are crystal clear, and the image is inverted. Cross-hairs are present. The striding level is nice and all bubbles full. There is a spare bubble inside the box.  It still has the original screwdriver, and even a K & E marked Loupe.  It has a stadia arc on the side.  The label inside the box says it is also equipped w/ a 4097-CG which the catalog calls off as a diaphragm. The small compass on the base is operational as is the level bubble on the base. The one apology would be the name of the college inscribed on the base in electric pen.  It is otherwise in excellent condition. 

Fine + . . . . .$350.00      SOLD!!

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!!

Fine . . . . . . $85.00       SOLD!!

Dietzgen Abney / Hand Level Grade Finder   These are useful tools in the hands of a competent equipment operator for grading and layout jobs.  This is the upgraded version with a protractor scale on the side.  Like new condition.

Fine . . . . . . . $40.00         SOLD!!

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This is just a sample of the many antiques & collectibles we have sold.
Click link to see other Sales Archive Pages on this Site.

We Buy Quality Surveying Related Antiques
Contact Us at AntiqBuyer@gmail.com

Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.

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Larry & Carole Meeker