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.
Early
W. & L. E. Gurley 16" Surveyor's or Engineer's Level
This
dumpy style level dates from approx 1860-1870 and is an example of Gurley's
early design with the level vial mounted above the scope instead of under it
as is typically found on later instruments of similar design. I do not
have any catalogs from this early so I can not give you the exact model #.
The Gurley marking is found on the center of the main support and is almost
covered by the instrument it sits so low to this support piece. Note the
distinguishing large nuts at both ends to mount the vial, thus giving this type
of instrument a very distinctive and early look.This dumpy style level is in nice condition overall. I am not even sure if they were making Wye levels like the model above where you could reverse the scope in the standards by lifting it out and re-inserting it the other direction this early. Two of the turnbuckle screws holding the rear lens inside have been replaced but they look fine even though a slightly different style, and the interior lens is fine. The base and all the motions and screws there are nice. The optics are clear and the crosshairs are present. The scope measures just under16" and the level vial is full.
There is no tripod available for this level, and the base is smaller than the 3 1/2 one would typically expect to find. The box is a replacement, craftsman-made and a nice job, as it is a perfect fit and was probably copied from the original it is so nicely done. This is a very unusual and early model that is not seen nearly as often as ones like that offered above or elsewhere. It has a look and sense about it that is different from the norm and will be a highlight of the collection focusing on early levels.
Good . . . . .$1050.00 SOLD
W. & L. E. Gurley
24" Inch "Railroad" Wye Level This is an
unusually long wye level at 24" overall. Note how it is designed to be stored in
the box as two pieces. The serial # begins with a 28 dating it
from 1928. The label in the lid of the box is in Spanish and so it appears this
was used in South America.Levels like this with extra long scopes were used to layout long level lines in the field for railroad track, roads, and the like. The rear eyepiece has to be held and twist tension applied for the rear focus to work properly and not skip. The crosshairs are good, and the optics are OK as well. The scope has been polished. A nice display piece.
Good + . . . . . . $450.00 SOLD!!
12"
Gurley Wye Level This Gurley Wye
Level is double marked with the name Dietzgen, another drafting supply & instrument maker and distributer in the
early 20th century marketplace. This level must date
from before Dietzgen began produced their own line of instruments and were just
distributers or marketers of them. The instrument itself is pretty nice
with no issues. The box has led a rough life. Painted and the lid has been
refitted / flipped and the hinges reattached. The Gurley label
inside the lid is still present. A nice display piece.
Good . . . . . . . $80.00 SOLD!! Price reflects the state of the market in 2022, and eBay results
W.
& L. E. Gurley 18" Wye Level
A beautiful instrument. Nice
overall condition. The 561413 serial # dates it from 1956. Good optics. Crosshairs present.
Scope is 18". This instrument will be a good user or will
display very nicely.
Fine+ . . . . . . $195.00 SOLD!!
W.
& L. E. Gurley 18" Wye Level
A beautiful instrument
in very nice overall condition. Good crisp & clear optics. Crosshairs present. Scope is 18".
Box shows wear and age. No other apologies. This 19th century surveying instrument will display very nicely. Fine+ . . . . . . $395.00 SOLD!!;
W.
& L. E. Gurley 20" Wye Level in Box
A nice looking large wye level by W. & L. E. Gurley the premier
makers of surveying instruments in America. I see no serial # and so believe it dates from prior to 1908.It is in very nice condition. The green lacquer finish is quite nice with a few rough spots. Crosshairs present, optics good. The scope is approx. 20" long. Box is nice noting the swinging hooks have gone missing. 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!!
Good + . . . . . . $395.00 SOLD!!
W. & L. E. Gurley
12" Dumpy Level in Box
A super condition graphic wye level by the best known and most highly
regarded maker of surveying instruments in America. It does not have a
serial # and so dates from before 1908 and from the engraving style and the
"nut" feature holding the scope I
believe it dates from well before that. It looks to be in virtually
unused condition retaining well over 95% of its original green lacquer matte
finish. Crosshairs are present and the optics crisp. An all around nice
instrument. It will make for a nice display in a number of settings or would be
perfect for re-enactments or things of that sort!! As nice as I have
ever had!! Fine . . . . . . $495.00 SOLD!!
W.
& L. E. Gurley Surveyor's or Engineer's # 376 Y Level
This Wye level has a serial # of 6952. It is in overall very nice condition.
The optics are clear and the crosshairs are present. I could count the
woodpecker holes in the tree trunk a couple hundred yards away with no trouble.
The tripod is OK as well and the top protector is present as well. The
leather strap on the box is present, original, and fragile. There is an
additional sun shield, but no other accessories in the box.
Good . . . . .$750.00 SOLD
W.
& L. E. Gurley Wye Level
This Wye level is in overall very nice condition. The scope is 24"
long. Levels this size were used to lay long straight lines like
for railroads and general surveys.
The optics are clear and the crosshairs are present. The box is nice.
Good . . . . .$650.00 SOLD
W.
& L. E. Gurley Surveyor's or Engineer's # 376 Y Level It is in overall very nice condition.
The optics are clear and the crosshairs are present. This level is
later and probably dates from the 20's or later. It has a green
lacquer finish to help with the glare.
Good . . . . .$550.00 SOLD
W. & L. E. 18" Gurley Dumpy Level
This
level is in overall nice condition. From the look and the serial
# I believe it dates from the 60's The optics are sharp & clear and the
crosshairs are present. The scope measures approx 18" and the level vial is
full. The Green Crinkle finish is near perfect and from the look of the box
and the color this was once the property of the military or forest service..
Levels like this are referred to as Dumpy levels when they do not have the provision
to reverse the scope in the standards like the Wye Level pictured at the top
of the page. It will make a good user or a nice addition to the collection of
later instruments by this well known, respected, and most famous of American
instrument makers.
Good . . . . .$250.00 SOLD
Gurley
Wye Level This 22" Gurley Wye level is
the largest size Wye Level Gurley made. It has a great look and will
display nicely. The patina is great and it has a commanding presence.
The level vial under the scope is broken and there is no tripod. or
box. The optics are clear, and the cross hairs present. There is a
serial # and the first 2 digits are 15 so this may have been made in
1915. It is a very graphic piece and will look great as it sits on
display in the office or shop.
Good . . . . .$650.00 SOLD!
Gurley
Wye or Builders Level This 18" Gurley Wye
level is in good condition. It is a precision built level that will be a great
user for layouts and lines or will make a very nice and graphic display piece
for the shelf or in the cabin. The optics are clear, and the cross hairs
present. There is no tripod.
Good+ . . . . .$450.00 SOLD!!
Gurley Wye Level This Gurley Wye level was sold as surplus from school
that either discontinued their engineering program or upgraded to more
modern instruments. It dates from the early 60's given the serial #
that starts with 61. The overall condition is excellent and it appears
to have led an easy life spending most of its time on the shelf and not in
the field. The optics are clear, and the crosshairs present. All
motions are free and I see no issues. It takes a 3 1/2 x 8 tripod, and
I have several designed for this instrument listed for sale on another page
at this site. It
will make a great casual user for layouts and the like, or be a welcome addition to the
growing collection. Good + . . . . .$175.00 SOLD!!
W. & L. E. Gurley Railroad / Wye Level in Box
A large & graphic instrument by the best known and most highly
regarded maker of surveying instruments in America. It does not have a
serial # and so dates from before 1908 and from the engraving style
believe it dates from well before that. It looks to be in virtually
unused condition retaining well over 95% of its original green lacquer matte
finish. Crosshairs present, optics crisp, just an all around nice
instrument. It has not been calibrated or tested for use. Big &
Graphic. It will make for a nice display in a number of settings or would be
perfect for re-enactments or things of that sort!! As nice as I have
ever had!! Fine . . . . . . $895.00 SOLD!
Gurley
Explorer Size Level This is a very rare and very nice near miniature W. & L. E. Gurley
explorer size level. It is the smallest level Gurley produced with its
8" scope The serial # on the inside of the mounting plate indicates
this dates from 1913. The overall condition of the level itself is excellent. All motions operate freely and smoothly. The level bubble is good. The optics are good, and crosshairs are present. The leather covered box has some condition issues with one end piece from the top missing and seams in the leather cover beginning to come apart. All in all a nice piece that is seldom seen.
Good + . . . . . $1095.00 SOLD!
W.
& L. E. Gurley Farm or Drainage Level Patented
in the 1880s. A well built heavy duty little level for rough work out in the
field. This example has seen a lot of use, but is still ok. Good optics,
crosshairs are present, just missing a lot of the original finish. Good + . . . . . . . $75.00 SOLD!!
Gurley
Expedition Size Alidade in Leather Covered Box The serial # of
181647 would
date this from 1918. It is in good overall condition. Crosshairs present, optics good.
Bubble on striding level is dead. Trough
compass
works. All
motions are free and smooth. Has Beaman Stadia arc. The scope is approx. 10" long. The box is solid. Nice!! Good + . . . . . . $195.00 SOLD!!
Gurley
Expedition Size Alidade in Box
The serial # of 201419 would
date this from 1920. It is in very good condition. Bronze lacquer
finish is good. Crosshairs are present, optics good. Good bubble. Compass
works. All
motions are free and smooth. The scope is approx. 10" long. The box is solid and shows age
and wear. No key. Nice!!
Good + . . . . . . $225.00 SOLD!!
W. & L. E. Gurley High Post Alidade in Box The serial # of 521532 would
date this from 1952. It is in very good condition. Black crinkle finish on scope is good. Crosshairs are present, optics good.
Good bubble. Trough Compass works. All motions are free and smooth. The scope is approx. 10" long.
The box is nice and solid. No key. Nice!!
Good + . . . . . . $195.00
Gurley
Expedition Size Alidade in Leather Covered Box The serial # of
5078 would
date this from 1950. It is in good overall condition. Crosshairs present, optics good. Good bubbles. Trough
compass
works. All
motions are free and smooth. The scope is approx. 10" long. The box is solid and shows age
and wear. Nice!! Good + . . . . . $100.00 SOLD!!
Gurley 7" Explorer Level This unusual size Gurley surveyors level is not shown in either of my Gurley Manuals from the period that it was manufactured, but I have been told that it does appear in some catalogs. Mine only speak about levels ranging in size from the small 12" Architects Level to 22" Engineer models used for laying out huge projects like railroads and large lines. This size unit was offered as an accessory or companion instrument for the Explorer Size Transit that Gurley produced for use in the wilds. The Explorer size instruments were made as small and lightweight as possible so that they could be carried further into the field to accomplish more exacting tasks that were being called for as this country was developing and being divided up.
Good . . . . .$895.00 SOLD
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.
This website is Copyrighted
Larry & Carole Meeker