Antique Surveying Tools
Plumb Bobs / Chains / Tripods

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

We can help you sell quality Surveying Related Antiques Contact Us.

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 forsale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.

3 Brass Plumb Bobs   On the left is a marked K & E / Keuffel & Esser # 6487 internal reel plumb bob.  It is near mint with nearly all its original finish.  Super!!

The large turnip in the middle is unmarked. The point does have some pitting.  Nice!

The small turnip bob on the right is marked Marples & Sons Sheffield.  It is very nice noting the top is a bit askew!!               

Left . . . . . Good  . . . . . $150.00     SOLD!!

Middle . . . . Good  . . . . . $50.00     SOLD!!

Right . . . . . .Good  . . . . . $40.00     SOLD!!

Bridge City Tool PB-9 Plumb Bob Set  This is in very nice condition.  It is in the original box and looks to be unused.  The bottom of the base is marked 1993.  There is some tarnish as it is beginning to develop a patina.  This can be polished or allowed to progress.  Nice!!   

Fine . . . . . $125.00   SOLD!!

J. C. Sala SF Long Neck / Wide Shoulder Brass Plumb Bob  This large plumb bob has a great shape and form with its long neck and wider than usual top shoulder.  Be sure to look at the other pics to see this.  It is clearly stamped on the side with the Sala name and San Francisco location.  J. C. Sala was the successor to San Francisco scientific instrument maker John Roach and this plumb bob dates from right around the turn of the century.   The condition is very nice!!

Good + . . . . .$150.00      SOLD!

Servco Reel in Top Plumb Bob  Nice enough.

Good  . . . . . $20.00        SOLD!!

Stanley #5 Cast Iron Plumb Bob w/ Reel   Nice!!

Good +  . . . . . .$125.00          SOLD!!

2 Gurley Long Stem Plumb Bobs  These are both nice, and both are marked on the stem.   Nice!!

Good +  . . . . . .$40.00 / Each         SOLD!!

Brass Turnip Shape Plumb Bob  A nice bob.

Good +. . . . . .$95.00       SOLD!!

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

Good . . . . . .$125.00       SOLD!

Plumb 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 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+ . . . . . . .$125.00      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+ . . . . . . .$75.00      SOLD




Large Brass Surveyor's Plumb Bob  Unusual long stem shape. Almost 7" long.   Nice overall condition.  

Good + . . . . .$15.00      SOLD!!

Gimbaled Brass Mining Plummet  Miner's Plummets are large plumb bobs used in mines that have a means of illumination so they could be sighted on in the dark confines of a mine shaft. This is a carefully and precision made copy of a 19th century plummet used for that application.  Originals are very hard to find.  This style plummet was hung from the roof of the mine with the chain seen and has a gimbaled collar set up so that it would hang plumb.  In use the top would be removed and the wick lit so that the instrument man could sight in on it. There is a fuel reservoir built into the hollow interior.  Looking at all the pics will illustrate the features.

Nearly every surveying instrument maker offered one or more different designs or versions, with some being quite ingenious in design.  Many are unmarked and I believe manufactured by one maker and sold to different instrument makers much as internal reel plumb bobs found of the same design found with different instrument makers names on them.  This one is very similar in design to those offered by K & E.   

Fine . . . . .$350.00      SOLD!!

3 Different Size Reel in Top Plumb Bobs  A bit different!!  Nice overall condition.  The smallest on the right is marked Stanley Rule & Level. The other two are unmarked but that is not unusual.  The largest on the left would be a Stanley #5 which is Iron.  

SR-REEL-1                    SR-REEL-2                    SR-REEL-3

Left . . . . Iron . . . Good . . . . . $65.00      SOLD!!

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

Right . . . Marked . .  . . . .Good + . . . . . $95.00      SOLD!!

 


Starrett No. 87 C Mercury Filled Plumb Bob in Original Box   Like New /  Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $60.00       SOLD!!

Keuffel & Esser / K & E  5" Compensated Aneroid Barometer w/ Thermometer   This 5" Keuffel & Esser / K & E English Pattern Aneroid Compensated Barometer is in super original condition with nearly all of its lacquer finish.   Do not confuse this large instrument with all the other 2 - 3 inch barometers you see offered. These 5" models are much rarer, and much more graphic than those.  It is the largest size K & E offered.

This style barometer dates from the late 1800's to just after the turn of the century and was used by surveyors, explorers, and others to determine altitude and barometric pressure out in the field or during surveys or exploration missions. It is English made and in superb condition. There is original paperwork included that is dated from 1929. Keuffel & Esser offered Barometers like this in a number of different sizes and styles. This 5" diameter size was the largest they offered. This barometer is graduated to 6000 ft. and was catalog # 5900 in the K & E catalog from 1909. It has a thermometer that works as well. The leather covered wooden box with red silk interior has kept this near 100 year old instrument in like new condition. The outer box shows some wear and the lock on the box is not working.

Fine .  . . . $350.00     SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley No. 545 Folding Rod Level  Nice condition.  Early model first patented in 1880.  Later versions were much more cheaply made.   Nice!!

Fine. . . . . $75.00        SOLD!!

Collapsible Leg 3 1/2 x 8 TPI Surveying Instrument Tripod   Very nice condition.  The head is a 3 1/2 x 8 TPI that will fit under most standard size instruments, transits, levels and the like by many makers.

Good + . . . . . $175.00      SOLD!!

Fixed Leg 2 3/4 dia. Surveying Instrument Tripod   Used nice condition.  Solid legs.  For smaller instruments like wye or dumpy levels.  Mount size is approx. 2 3/4 x 14.  I believe it is a K & E.

Good + . . . . . $125.00      SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser Collapsible Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod   Very nice condition.  3  1/2 x 8 TPI.  

Good + . . . . . $250.00      SOLD!!

Collapsible Leg 2 15/16 x 12 TPI Surveying Instrument Tripod   Very nice condition.  This is most likely for a Dietzgen instrument.

Good + . . . . . $175.00      SOLD!!

Expedition Size Tripod  This small light extendable leg tripod is unmarked as to maker.  The fittings look like Gurley.  I believe it is made of maple and for their expedition size transits or levels.  It is in very nice overall condition.  The male threaded mount is 1 1/2 wide x approx. 12 TPI ".  Refinished and / or oiled this would rate as fine.   It stands 28" tall w/ the legs in. 

Fine  . . . . . $225.00      SOLD!!







W. & L. E. Gurley Collapsible Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod   Very nice original condition.  It will fit under a number of early Gurley instruments and has outer threads that measure just over 3 1/2.  Very  Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $250.00     SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser Collapsible Leg Johnson Head Plane Table Tripod   Nice!!  Minor scuffs and scratches to the original finish.  It is marked K & E on the thread protector cap.  It is the standard 5/8 male stud that will fit under most plane tables.  Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $195.00        SOLD!!

Collapsible Leg Surveyor's Surveying Instrument Tripod   Mount size is 3 1/2 x 8 that will fit under many transits, levels, or compasses.  Each leg has 2 clamps.  One clamp on one leg is a replacement.   Nice!!

Good + . . . . . $175.00     SOLD!!









Gurley Tripod for Pocket Compass  This tripod stands approx. 36" or so inches tall in the collapsed position.  It is the lightest duty Gurley Tripod I have ever seen.  It is marked Gurley on the leg clamp hardware.  It is in like new condition and looks to have seen little or no use.  The top post is threaded and measures  approx. 1" x 32 TPI.  The pocket compass I have does not fit, so I am not sure what it fits or fits it.  It is a rare piece in condition not often seen.

Fine . . . . . $395.00     SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser Collapsible Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod   Very nice condition.  3" x 12 TPI.  to fit under earlier and smaller instruments.

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

Small Johnson Head Plane Table Tripod  This tripod is unmarked as to maker.  The fittings look like Gurley.  I believe it is made of maple.  It is in very nice overall condition.  It was meant for a small size plane table to be used in the field.  It is very light and "dainty" compared to the size and weight one would normally see.  It comes with the mounting plate for a board as well. When the plate is off there is the standard 5/8 male stud that is typical for this type tripod.   The prefect opportunity to make a custom size table and use it in the field. 

Excellent  . . . . . $150.00        SOLD!!





Dietzgen U. S. C. E. Johnson Head Plane Table Tripod   NOS / Never been used.  Still have the beat up original cardboard box.  USCE stands for United States Corps of Engineers.  Very  Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $250.00       SOLD!!

Wooden 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!!

Surveying / Surveyors Tripod  This later collapsible leg tripod is pretty nice.  I believe it is for Wild or other similar later instruments they way the mount is set up.

Good  . . . . .$100.00         SOLD!!

Kern / Switzerland Collapsible Leg Surveyor's Surveying Instrument Tripod Dome top with protective cover.  Original finish. Very Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $125.00     SOLD!!









Collapsible Leg Tripod for Surveying / Surveyors Instrument  This unusual collapsible leg tripod has an unusual mount design that is / was protected by a patent.  The head is marked Patented Feb 24th 1891. There was a patent granted to the instrument maker Soltmann on that date, and this style tripod is part of the description.  Basically it is a quick mount design where an instrument with a leveling head would attach as a unit by merely dropping it into place.    It looks to be hardly used.  Very Nice!!

Good +  . . . . .$225.00     SOLD

Short Tripod For Use In Mines  This fixed leg tripod stands just 41 or so inches tall.  It is factory, or original.  Tripods this size were meant for use in mines or other locals with low overhead.  The head measures just over 4" and is threaded both on the outer edge, and has a threaded inner hole.  It looks to be 18 TPI which I believe would make it a Gurley.  It is a rare piece and has not been cut down.  It has a nice form.

Good + . . . . . SOLD!!

C. L. Berger Collapsible Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod   Near mint.  Shows little if any signs of use.  Standard size at 3 1/2 x 8"   Will fit under many instruments by different makers.  Very Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $250.00      SOLD!!

Fixed Leg Tripod / Surveying / Surveyors Tripod for Compass / Early Transit  This early fixed leg tripod is very nice.  The dia. of the top post is approx 5/8 " tapering to 3/4" or so. The knuckle joint works OK.   It would ft a compass and it fits the early Gurley compass / transit I have listed elsewhere and is shown there with that instrument on it.  The solid tapered legs are ok and have their feet.  It stands just 53" tall.  The top has brass fittings and swiveling knuckle joint head.  Nice!!

Good +  . . . . .$195.00      SOLD!!

Fixed Split Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod   Like new with minor scuffs and scratches to the original finish.  It is marked Seiler.  It is the standard 3 1/2 x 8 that will fit under many newer post WWII surveying transits, levels, and compasses.  Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $125.00      SOLD!!

K & E - Keuffel & Esser Split Fixed Leg 3 1/2 x 8 Surveying Instrument Tripod   Very nice original condition.  It will fit under a number of transits and levels.  Very  Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $150.00      SOLD!!

Gurley Extendable Leg Wooden Tripod  The cap and head of this fine condition tripod are clearly marked  W. L. & E. Gurley / Troy New York.  This vintage Gurley tripod with extendable legs  measures just over 3 1/2" across the head.  According to the chart published by Robert Parrish of www.antiquesurveying.com  this tripod would be 3.625 x 18 TPI.   It is in fine condition. 

Excellent  . . . . .$150.00       SOLD!

 







Tapered Fixed Leg Tripod / Surveying / Surveyors Tripod  This tripod is very nice.  It has a great look with its red & black paint scheme on the top of the tapered legs.  The head measures approx 2 3/4x 20 TPI.  Nice!!

Good +  . . . . .$150.00       SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Collapsible Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod   Very nice original condition.  It will fit under a number of early Gurley instruments and has both outer threads and the smaller interior hole is threaded as well.  Very  Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $250.00      SOLD!!

Collapsible Leg Expedition Size Surveying Instrument Tripod   Nice overall condition.  Used but no damage or real apologies.   Near miniature for tiny instruments used in field.  Weighs just a few pounds.  A non standard size with 7/8" male threaded post.  Outer ring is approx. 1 7/8" Dia.   Nice!!

Good + . . . . . $195.00     SOLD!!

Tapered Fixed Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod   Very nice original condition.  It has a 1 7/8 x 14 tpi threaded male post.  Great double taper hardwood / walnut or mahogany legs.  Early & Very  Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $150.00      SOLD!!

Dietzgen Split Fixed Leg 3 1/2 x 8 TPI Surveying Instrument Tripod   Used nice condition.  The head is a 3 1/2 x 8 TPI that will fit under most standard size instruments, transits, levels and the like by many makers.

Good + . . . . . $125.00     SOLD!!

Surveying Compass Tripod   Used but nice condition.  The post tapers from 7/8 to 1"  The plate is marked  Boeringer & Klein St Louis MO. a little known obscure but documented Midwest maker.

Good  . . . . . $175.00       SOLD!!

Surveying Instrument Tripod   Used but nice condition.  The plate is approx. 3 9/16 x 14 TPI.

Good  . . . . . $175.00       SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser 14' Frisco Survey Grade Rod   Nice overall condition.  Model # 81 0332.   All the joints work.  Scales are good.

Good +  . . . . . $40.00        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+ . . . . . . .$150.00      SOLD




Berger & Sons Auxiliary Eyepiece for Davis Solar Attachment w/ Colored Glass Solar Screen, Prism & Peephole This little device fits on the end of the transits scope and has 3 different eye openings for different situations.  You just revolve each into position for different applications.   One is a right angle prism, one is a dark lens, and one a peephole.  I found a listing for this in a turn of the century catalog, and it cost a whopping $18.00 back then.  We are just going to move the decimal over one place.

Good + . . . . . .  $150.00     SOLD!!

Dietzgen Alidade w/ Leather Case   As new.  Looks to have never been used.  These were used in the field w/ a plane table.   Nice!!

Fine. . . . . . $40.00     SOLD!!

Chesterman / Rabone #558 100' Surveyor's Link Chain    Nice!!

Good . . . . . $295.00    SOLD!!

3 100' Surveying / Surveyor / Survey Chains The two upper ones are "heavy link" say about #12 gauge wire.  One of them is a Keuffel & Esser, and one a Chesterman.  Both are 100' and very nice.   The third one, in front is a much lighter gauge wire and is a marked Chesterman.   It has its tags and looks pretty good.

K & E 100' . . . . .Good +  . . . . . .  $325.00 / Each   SOLD!!

Chesterman 100' - H . . . . . Good +  . . . . . .  $275.00 / Each      SOLD!!

Chesterman 100' - L. . . . Good +  . . . . . .  $295.00 / Each     SOLD!!

4 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+ . . . . .  ALL SOLD!      

Surveyor'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+ . . . . . . .  BOTH SOLD





Chesterman 100' Surveyor's Chain    This is nice

Good . . . . .  SOLD

Stackpole Precise Surveyor's Chain w/ Level & Scale    This is nice

Fine . . . . .  SOLD

3 Surveyor's Chains    One is 100' , a 66'. and a 33' 

Good . . . . .  All SOLD

Gurley #12 20 Meter Steel Surveying Chain   Looks as though it was never used.  Talley tags every meter numbered 1 - 19.

Fine  . . . . . . $450.00      SOLD!!

Surveyor's Chain  This is a nice condition 100' chain.  I believe it is English as one of the tags is marked warranted, like one would see on a Chesterman, but it does not have a maker name.  It has 9 tally tags, and looks pretty good.

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

100' Chesterman Surveying Chain The condition is very nice.  Marked handles & tags.   Nice!!

Fine. . . . . $295.00   SOLD!!

100' Chesterman Surveying Chain The condition is very nice.  Marked brass handles & tally tags.   A heavy chain with large # 10 gage wire.  No rust or pitting to speak of.  Clean & Nice!!

Fine. . . . . $295.00         SOLD!!

100' Young & Sons / Philada Surveyors Chain  Very nice w/ tally tags.  Brass handles marked w/ name.

Good +  . . . . . . $350.00     SOLD!!

66' A. S. Aloe Surveyors Chain  Very nice w/ tally tags.  Brass tag marked w/ name. Chains from this St. Louis maker are very unusual.

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

33' K & E Keuffel & Esser Surveyors Chain  Very nice w/ tally tags.  Brass handles marked w/ name model size etc.

Good +  . . . . . . $375.00     SOLD!!

50' J. C. Sala Surveyors Chain  Very nice w/ tally tags.  Brass tag marked w/ name. Chains from this California maker are very unusual.

Good +  . . . . . . $325.00     SOLD!!

BACK to Surveying

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

We can help you sell quality Antiques Contact Us.

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

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Larry & Carole Meeker