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Antique Surveying Instruments Compass Sales Archive
W. & L. E. #232 Gurley Surveyor's Compass This Vernier Compass is basically the same as the one above but I believe a bit later. It is by Gurley the best known maker of surveying instruments in America. The bubbles are good, the compass needles swings freely and the sight veins and their screws are original and nice as well. The Mahogany box is very nice and shows just minor scuffing. The paper label inside is very nice as can be seen. It has a needle that measures just under 6" and the instruments overall length is just under 16". The top glass is original. The silver on the face is nice, and I believe this instrument dates from near the turn of the last Century. SOLD!
K & 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 SOLD
Roach & Warner Surveyors Compass This surveyor's compass dates from the early to mid 1800's and is in very nice original condition. Roach is a well known but relatively rare maker who started out his instrument making career on the East Coast in New York after he came here from Ireland. He started out in the mid 1830's or so in a partnership with Warner, and that is how this instrument is marked. By 1850 or so he was listed in the directories of San Francisco as an instrument maker. He was soon the best known and largest maker on the west coast.
This compass is in very nice condition exhibiting large amounts of its original finish. It appears that one vial has been refilled as the two have different color vials. The labels inside the top indicate that this instrument was at one time in the Boston area being worked on or adjusted by the Leder and Probst firm from there. Another tag says it was purchased from them in 1919, and then that fellow gave it to the next owner in 1959. The original Roach & Warner label is still here as well giving the location of 292 Broadway New York. The compass measures just under 16" overall, and the compass face is approx 6 3/4" with the needle being 6". The compass face is very nicely engraved with a floral and vine motif. The ball and socket mount for the Jacob staff is also present. A rare and desirable instrument in condition not typically found.
SOLD!
Levi Colton Surveyors Compass This surveyor's compass dates from the mid 1800's and is in super original condition. Colton began his career in Washington, and then moved to New York and finally Connecticut. This one is nicely engraved in the New York style of the period. It is complete and in very nice original condition. The dovetailed box is original and very nice as well. It is smaller than typically seen and will make a great display piece. Very nice!
Below is biographical information from the Smithsonian site.
SOLD! ColtonLevi Colton (1803-1885) was born in Massachusetts, and trained as a jeweler and silversmith. He may have learned the art of instrument making from Richard Patten, for whom he worked in Washington, D.C. in 1846, and who described him as “a quite steady and industrious man.” Around 1850 Colton was making compasses in New York City, and in the mid-1850s he was making compasses in Hartford, Connecticut.
Gurley Railroad Pocket Compass with Auxiliary Scope These compact and versatile instruments were used for a variety of applications. Although not as accurate as a transit they were sufficiently precise for general work in the field. They were offered in different sizes and configurations, and this one has a 4 1/2 in needle. It also has the optional leveling base as can be seen that could be used with a small tripod. The condition of this instrument is exceptional with nearly 100% of the original lacquer finish still present. SOLD!!
Gurley Railroad Compass with Auxiliary Scope This was Gurley largest complicated compass they offered. The fellow who ordered this one went the full 9 yards with both bases and the auxiliary scope, all made to fit in the proper box. The optional leveling base as can be seen that could be used with a small tripod and the ball and socket stall joint is out in front.. The condition of this instrument is exceptional with nearly 100% of the original lacquer finish still present. It has a great look and presence, and is proudly sitting in our new little display area we have finished setting up for my instruments. SOLD!!
Special Note: I have other compasses transits and related surveying instruments and related antiques for sale on our sister site www.patented-antiques.com on the surveying page. Please take a look if interested.
Note: To see more sales results we have had over the years visit the Past Sales Archives on our sister site www.Patented-Antiques.com