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 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.

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!!

W. & L. E. Gurley #170 Plummet Lamps in Original Box  Both are in fine condition with a minimum of scratches or dings.  One still retains nearly all of its original green lacquer finish.  One has seen considerably more use w/ losses to that green finish.  Both have their wicks.  Both have their original hangers.   Very unusual, and very nice!!

Good + . . . . . $1750.00    SOLD!!

H S B "Our Very Best" Plumb Bob in Case  H S B stands for Hibbard, Spencer, & Bartlett CO. Chicago Illinois 1883-1983  The nickel on the bob is very nice.  The top screw needs to be cleaned.  Bold marking on the side.  Different & Nice!!

Good + . . . . . . $25.00     SOLD!!

Stanley No. 1 Surveyor's Brass Plumb Bob w/ Reel  Unmarked, which is typical.   Nice used condition.

Good +  . . . . . . $95.00       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




Internal Reel Surveyor's Plumb Bob  Unmarked, which is typical.  This has a easy to use and hard to jam up internal reel design.  Tubes, not wheels.  Better than some more complicated models wheels that tend to jam, and can take half the day to get strung back up. Nice condition.

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

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

Good + . . . . .$85.00      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!!

 


Lot of Plumb Bobs  The big one on the right is a 32 oz. General. The large Starrett has its Mercury filling. It is the large size they offered. The rest is the rest. All are in good condition.

LA-PB-LOT

32 oz. - - - - Good + . . . . . $25.00

Starrett - - - - - Good + . . . . . $45.00

Choice - - - - - Good + . . . . . $10.00 ea.

Lot / ALL - - - - - Good + . . . . . $50.00          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 patented in 1885.  Later versions were much more cheaply made.   Nice!!

Fine. . . . . $75.00        SOLD!!

3 Point Tripod for K & E / Keuffel & Esser # 5074 Engineers Mountain & Mining Transit  This is the proper tripod for the instrument above.  It will fit under other K & E instruments w/ a 3 point leveling head.  It is a rare tripod. All motions and thumbscrews operate smoothly. Pretty nice, and quite rare.

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

Keuffel & Esser / K & E Extendable Leg Wooden Tripod  This wooden tripod has a head size of 3 1/2" x 8 TPI the standard size for many later instrument makes.  Given the color I assume the Government owned it at one point in time before selling it as used surplus for .10 on the dollar.  It looks to have seen little if any use.

Fine . . . . . $150.00       SOLD!!






Tapered Fixed Leg Survey Compass Tripod w/ Knuckle Joint  I believe this is for a Gurley compass.  If you need it to fit yours make sure we confirm the size or you may need a machinist to do a resizing job for you.   Nice!!

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

W. & L. E. Gurley 3 1/2 x 8 TPI Extendable Leg Wooden Tripod  This antique wooden tripod has a head size of 3.5" x 8 TPI the industry standard for many later surveying instruments. The legs extend and lock as they should. The leg clamps are not marked Gurley. The top cap is and gives the size as well.  A very nice condition tripod that saw little use in the field or elsewhere.  

Fine. . . . . $225.00       SOLD!!






Wooden Surveying Instrument Tripod   The head measures approx. 1 9/16 ths x 20 TPI.  I am not sure what fits on it.  A nice early double taper leg tripod.   A candidate for repurposing. 

Good + . . . . . . $150.00        HOLD!!

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!!

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!!

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!!

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!!

Dietzgen Wooden Fixed & Extendable Split Leg Tripod   A hermaphrodite. 2 fixed legs and one adjustable.  I have seen this variation offered in different catalogs for set-up on steep hillsides and while it looks right, it might be an aftermarket modification as the legs are slightly different from each other.  Just the thing for really steep hillside.  3 1/2 x 8 TPI. Nice!!

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

Wooden Tripod w/ 3 Point Quick Release Mount  This antique wooden tripod has a removable 3 point mount. The quick release 3 point head unscrews to leave an approx. 1 1/4" male threaded stud. The legs extend and lock as they should. I do not know what it fit under, and it is unmarked save a few numbers on the head.  It looks to have seen little use and is in very nice condition. It would be a perfect repurpose candidate.

Fine . . . . . $150.00

Wooden Fixed Split Leg Surveying Instrument Tripod   Mount size is 3 1/2 x 8.  Could be by a number of makers for any sort of instrument, transit, dumpy or wye Level, precise level, solar instruments, or even a compass.  Nice!!

Good + . . . . . . 150.00      SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Tapered Leg Tripod  The outer size is approx. 4 1/4 x 18 TPI.  For large early Gurley Instruments.    Nice!!

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

Lietz Quick Release Surveying Instrument Tripod  Excellent little used condition. Lietz offered this style in addition to threaded styles. You would pull on a pin and one leg would move allowing the user to lower the instrument into place. You do not find these very often, even here in CA.

Good  . . . . . $195.00         SOLD!!

K & E - Keuffel & Esser Heliograph  This type of instrument is 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 louvered piece could be set in front of the mirror and the user could send Morse code utilizing the shutter set up. The pieces are marked.  The wooden case hold all seen. The outer leather case has bad seams.  These are very hard to find.  No Tripods or base units. 

Good . . . . . $475.00      SOLD!!

Heliograph 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 . . . . . .$650.00     SOLD!

Lietz Surveyors Plane Table  This is a nice condition plane table that measures 24 x 30. The original canvas carry case is marked with the last owners name.  It is otherwise very nice and ready for use. These were used in the field with different style alidades when mapping or surveying and drawing at the same time.

Note: I do have alidades from the same era listed for sale on another page.

Fine  . . . . .$225.00     SOLD!

Lietz Surveyors Plane Table  This plane table measures 24 x 30 and saw little actual use.  There are some minor scratches and scuffs on the face side.  Also some tape residue.  The finish is original.  The first pic shows the underside with the 5/8 female mount for a Johnson Head tripod.  The table is marked Lietz above the disc.  The canvas cloth case is marked with the last owners name.  It is very nice and ready for use.  There is one paper hold down missing, but the rest are here.  These were used in the field with alidades when mapping or surveying and drawing at the same time. 

Note: I do have alidades from the same era listed for sale on another page.. 

Fine  . . . . .$350.00     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!!

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!!

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

Fine . . . . .  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!!

Chesterman 20M Metric Surveyor Link Chain  Marked handles.  Marked tally tags. Some light rust overall nice condition.

Good +  . . . . . . $295.00     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 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