Meeker's
Mechanical
Nature Antiques
Larry and Carole
Meeker

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

LCM@AntiqBuyer.com

530-620-7019

Misc Antique Surveying Tools

Past Sales Archive

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.



J. Roach Surface GaugeJ. Roach Surface Gauge I have no written or verbal provenance for this nice looking surface gauge, but the name is right, and it did come out of California.  It could well be the surface gauge that the early to mid 19th century surveying instrument maker from California, John. Roach used when producing some fine instruments when he was set up in San Francisco during the height of the gold rush days.  Note the fine detailing, and the elongated acorn finial top.  A super piece for the California history / surveying  or mining display. 

AMN-JRSG 

Excellent . . . . .  $125.00     SOLD!




J. Hale Patent 1885 Surveying InstrumentJ. Hale Patent 1885 Surveying Instrument / Circumferentor    John Hale was from Scranton PA., the heart of coal mining country on the east coast in the late 19th century.  Mr. Hale had a better idea for conducting surveys in mining related situations, and was granted a patent in 1885 for that idea.  The patent # is 313,494 and it was granted on March 10th 1885. He simply called it a "Surveying Instrument". This form of instrument is commonly referred to as a semi circumferentor and can be used in the place of a typical magnetic compass in certain situations where a magnetic instrument would not be as accurate. It took me a while to find the patent the first time as it looks like he mis-stamped this with a 6 and then corrected it, or his stamp was worn out, or??.  This piece is stamped #25 in several places, and the 5 in that number is crystal clear, but the 5 or 6 in the patent info is not as clear and so we have a bit of a mystery here.  I believe that is the serial number, but may be an assembly number. 

All of that aside, this is a great looking and very interesting surveying instrument.  Hale correctly identified the problem associated with conducting surveys using standard magnetic compasses in areas where large ore deposits would affect the results using a magnetic compass.  He invented and produced this wonderful looking piece to be used in those areas whit large ore deposits, and also claimed this was an instrument that could be offered at reduced cost and was less complex than other instruments in use.  .

This example is almost an exact copy of the patent drawing illustration with the exception of lengthening the sight vane arm and an added level vial (original & good) attached to this lengthened arm that is not shown in the patent drawing or discussed in the patent itself.  The semi circle is approx 11" across and the sight vane arm measures a bit over 12"

Note that the knuckle joint is present, and is also stamped with the #25.   Mr. Hale must have been making these one at a time to require each piece to be stamped with a number.  There is no box. 

PS-HALE-1

Excellent . . . . . . . $1295.00      SOLD!!




HeliographHeliograph These types of instruments were used for communication and for surveying long lines or over long distances.  Mirrors could be used to communicate or be sighted on 20-30 miles out in the right conditions. The piece on the left could be set in front of the mirror on the right and the user could send Morse code utilizing the shutter set up.  There were two mirrors in the event you needed to direct the light from a different angle, you could use one to catch then redirect the light.  These are unmarked as to maker, in super condition and probably English.  

Here is a link to Wikpedia where you can lean more  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliograph

Excellent . . . . . . $395.00 / pr.    SOLD!




Wayweiser / WaywiserWayweiser / Waywiser This is a early form of measuring device used by surveyors, map makers, cartographers, city planers, engineers and the like.  They are an early design and when researching them on the internet the first thing you read about is Ben Franklin having and using one.  

The idea here is that there is a clockwork type mechanism that works off the wheel rotating and records the distance.  This one has three ranges I can see.  Yards, furlongs and miles.  The counter is original, and the top lid is a well done replacement that allows the entire geared works inside to be viewed.  I do not see any makers marks on the machine itself or the handles. 

It could be French or English, and probably dates from the early 19th century.  The wheel construction and spokes look very early.  A rare and desirable piece of survey related memorabilia that will display very nicely.

Good . . . . . .  $495.00       SOLD!



Antique Drafting SetWooden Boxed Architect's / Draftsman's Drafting Set  Early drafting sets in wooden boxes have pretty much disappeared from the marketplace and are very hard to find.   I can remember buying and selling many smaller sets in wooden boxes 20 or so years ago, and then they just disappeared almost overnight.  In all of the time I have bought and sold antique tools I have seen, but never had a set as large or nice as this. 

The Mahogany box  is approx 16" x 7 x 4" and  is in super condition w/ original finish.  The inside is covered in padded green felt, and the makers name is still in the corner on the ribbon you see.  The top lid folds out, and the tray pulls up to reveal additional storage underneath.  The plaque on top is dated 1901 with the owners name.  The tools are all  in nice condition. It has a geared proportional divider that is very nice.  There are also a set of trammels.  There is also a ivory (faux?) sector that was under the tray.   It seems complete except for one oval hole in the top right which could have held a magnifier, or a glass cup for points or lead.   The pieces are marked and all appear to be original and not married up.

Good+  . . . . . . .  $595.00    SOLD!



1859 Gordon's Patent Goniometer / Protractor1859 Gordon's Patent Goniometer / Protractor  This early patented measuring and layout device was designed for use by surveyors, map makers, cartographers, city planers, engineers, architects and the like to aid in their work.. Charles Gordon of Washington DC was the the inventor and patentee. The name and patent info is engraved into the bottom leg of the brass triangle. It seems in the application he called it a Goniometer, and in the description refers to it as an improved protractor. I suppose it serves both uses and a few others as well. The patent was granted on March 29 1859 and the number is 23,365. This unusual device incorporate several different known tools to create a "new improved" and unique tool for use in the trades mentioned earlier. The patent, and the drawings can be found puktting that number into Google Patent Search.  .

The idea incorporates a heavy brass 30/60/90 triangular base acting as the base and meridian and allows the user to find and keep his bearings on a map or drawing, Attached just above the heavy triangular base is a finely engraved silver protractor capable of swinging up to 90 in either direction when it bottoms out against the vertical riser. Above that and attached to the protractor is a silvered parallel rule w/ 7 1/2 inch arms that can be used at any time to draw parallel lines or extend an angle out. Both the arm of the rule, and the protractor are marked with a tiny # 6 which may be either an assembly # or a serial # of sorts. Mr. Gordon's description goes on to say this device will be found to be near indispensible in use when drawing surveys and plots and all manner of other uses.

The tool is housed in a fitted sharkskin covered wooden box.. Overall the box is nice, and has a great shape. There has been some losses to the sharkskin covering as one would expect.


Excellent . . . . . . . $1495.00     SOLD



Keuffel & Esser #4236 Planimeter Keuffel & Esser #4236 Planimeter   This Planimeter is in very nice condition.  Used to figure out the volume or area measurements of very large objects that are drawn to scale.  A calculator of sorts from the era when engineers, draftsmen and the like were still standing over a drafting table instead of in front of their computer.

Excellent . . . . . . .  $65.00     SOLD



K & E #5334 Surveyors CompassK & E #5334 Surveyors Compass  This compass is in very nice condition overall.  The 2 level vials are dry but these are easily replaceable and not a big concern.  The ball joint is here, and the mahogany box is original and has a great bubbly patina to the finish making it look 200 years older than it is.  The needle is approx. 4" making this a #5334

Good+  . . . . .  $225.00     SOLD





Keuffel & Esser #80 0200 Topographical Adjustable Abney Level / Grade Finder   The instructions were last printed in 1964 and I would guess that this is from right around that time period.  It is Mint NOS.  The backhoe guy I use to use laid out things with one of these and made it look easy.  Everything came out right. 

Good+ . . . . . . . $85.00     SOLD


Antique Drafting SetAntique Drafting Set This drafting set is very nice and complete w/ an ivory architects rule as well as the flat ivory sector. 

Good+ . . . . . . . $795.00     SOLD







Gurley Aluminum ScaleGurley Aluminum Field Scale This scale was made of aluminum to keep the weight down to allow it to be used in the field or other places where it might have to be carried over long distances.  It is an unusual choice of material for this type of scale.  The condition is like new  

Good+ . . . . . . . $395.00     SOLD






D. W. Brunton's Pocket Transit This example is in the nicest condition one could ask for, as it still retains nearly all of its light green matte finish.  The leather case is in exceptional condition as well. These devices were used by foresters, surveyors and others out in the field for rough positioning and mapping.  These handy and good looking devices are now being widely reproduced in India and Pakistan, but this is guaranteed to be a real one and to please. A nice piece in an unusual material, by a well known company.

Excellent . . . . . . . $175.00     SOLD



Buff & Berger of Boston AnemometerBuff & Berger of Boston Anemometer This finely made c 1900 or before precision instrument by the well known maker Buff & Berger of surveying related instruments is in super condition as is the well constructed dovetailed Mahogany box that it is in.  This partnership was begun in the 1870's and was disbanded near the turn of the Century when both parties went off on their own to start new firms.  These devices were used to measure the wind velocity in tunnels & shafts and the on/off feature on this operates correctly and has a long cord attached to it leading one to believe that this instrument was held overhead on a pole or mounted up high, or lowered into the shaft, or something similar when taking the measurement with it.  I can not find a reset feature as on later models of these devices.  The bronzed anodized finish is great and inside the lid of the box the label is present along with the info that this once belonged to the Minneapolis  Mill Co.

Excellent . . . . . . .  $295.00     SOLD



Brass Plumb BobMassive Long Neck Brass Plumb Bob  This brass plumb bob measures over 7" long and had a great shape or form.  Very Nice!!

Good . . . . . .  $85.00           SOLD!






Plumb Barbara Plumb BobPlumb Barbara / Brandi   She is anatomically correct both front and back, and really does hang quite well. I saw another version named Brandy recently, and was told there was a Bob as well.   I know this one is not Bob, but she is not marked w/ her proper name.  A good thing for the bored carpenter, or his gift giving friends with imagination. 

Good + . . . . . .  $95.00        SOLD!




Dietzgen Internal Reel Brass Plumb BobDietzgen Internal Reel Brass Plumb Bob   I am not sure who the maker of this ingenious internal reel plumb bob is.  They can be found marked and unmarked. They are hard to find.  I have seen them marked and offered in both Gurley and K& E catalogs as well as some others.  I have never had one marked Dietzgen before.  

Good+ . . . . . . . $175.00     SOLD



Stanley Type 1 Brass Plumb Bob w/ Reel  This is the #1 Brass version of Stanley plumb bob w/ reel.  It is unmarked as to maker as most were but does have the patent date on the neck as can be seen in the pics.  It appears to have seen little use and is in excellent condition.

Good+ . . . . . . . $150.00     SOLD



Marine Navigation Tool / Octant / SextantMarine Navigation Tool / Octant / Sextant  This is English in a box with an American label on it.  That would be typical as many of these were imported and sold by distributers here in the US.  Note the stepped top box which I believe is an indication of it being early.  Also note the early repair to the box lid.   The body of the octant is made of ebony and the wear strips ivory or bone.  It is marked across the arch with the maker and location.   A nice piece.  

Good+ . . . . . . . $1250.00     SOLD





Early Cased Architect's / Draftsman's Drafting SetEarly Cased Architect's / Draftsman's Drafting Set   These early drafting sets in wooden boxes have pretty much disappeared from the marketplace over the last 15 years or so.  I can remember buying and selling dozens, and seeing more at all the tool shows we use to attend, and then they just disappeared as if overnight.  This nice looking set is approx 10" x 6" and is in a leatherette covered Mahogany box.  The box is in nice condition and the original keys are present to operate the lock.  Inside it seems complete except for one hole for a tip for the compass or divider.  None of the pieces seem to be marked, but they are a high quality and the Ivory handles on some are a nice touch as well.  There is a tear in the top fabric from pulling this down where additional rules or layout tools could be stored.  Under the tray is another compartment as well for additional storage

Excellent . . . . . . . $275.00     SOLD




Wooden Tripod for Compass or CircumfertorWooden Tripod for Compass or Circumferentor  This is an early form tripod with a built in knuckle joint fitting.  I imagine that with a bushing it could be adapted to fit most any instrument you might have looking for something like this.  The original green paint finish with smooth wear to the edges and high points looks great.  

Good  . . . . . $295.00      SOLD!!









K & E #12 66' Surveyors Chain This surveying chain, by the leading maker of surveying instruments, supplies and quality slide rules is about as nice as they get.  No bends or kinked links, and the name and other info are clear as day on the end of the handle as can be seen in the pic.

Good+ . . . . . . .  $195.00     SOLD

K & E / Keuffel & Esser Simplex Section LinerK & E / Keuffel & Esser Simplex Section Liner   Need to draw a series of parallel angled lines on a drawing.  Plop this down on the paper and go. 

Good + . . . . .  $25.00







Dietzgen Drafting CurvesDietzgen Drafting Curves  These are associated with road layout and similar.  I have seen them called ships curves as well.  There are a lot of them in here, and some others that do not have a place.  More than enough to get it right when laying out that special curve by hand. 

Good + . . . . . .  $65.00     SOLD!

DW-DCURVE   




K & E 10 Inch Proportional Dividers in CaseK & E 10" Proportional Dividers in Case  This 10" set of rack & pinion adjustable proportional dividers by Keuffel & Esser date from near the turn of the century.  They are in like new near perfect condition.    The box is marked and nice.   Nice!

SAZ-KE-PD

Fine . . . . . $145.00    SOLD!





Dietzgen Dotting Set w/ 6 WheelsDietzgen Dotting Set w/ 6 Wheels  The catalog I have from 1915v show this device with just 3 wheels and the price was almost $5.00.  A lot of money for something like this back then.  It is marked Dietzgen and Germany on the body on one side, and Gem Union with the Dietzgen Logo on the other..  The condition is like new.  An interesting device.  

Fine . . . . . .  $55.00    SOLD!

SAZ-DRAFT-4




4 Surveyors Chains4 Surveyors Chains  In front are two nice Chesterman chains, one 2P and one 4P, or a 33', and a 66". Next is a 33' with trapezoid wire loop handle.  It is also a 33'.  In the back is a heavy link 33' w/ round loop handles.  It too is a 33'

Good+ . . . . .  $295.00 / Choice   ALL SOLD!      





SUrveying ChainSurveyor's Chains  From the top.  The first one is a very nice thick link 50' unmarked loop handle with tags.  It has light rust which is to be expected.  This chain is properly marked and is very nice.  This 50' chain is unmarked but has tags.  It is in super condition.

Good+ . . . . . . . $250.00 / ea.     BOTH SOLD





Chesterman Surveyors ChainChesterman 100' Surveyor's Chain    This is nice

Good . . . . .  $295.00       SOLD






Antique Surveyoring Chain3 Surveyor's Chains     One is 100' , a 66'. and a 33' 

Good . . . . .  $250.00 Ea.        All SOLD






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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