Antique
W. L. & E. Gurley
Surveying Instruments

This is just a sample of the many antique Gurley Transits we have sold.
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Antique & Collectible
Gurley Transits

The


W. & L. E. Gurley Light Mountain Transit  This c. 1912 W. & L. E. Gurley Transit is in good overall condition. The contrasting finishes have a nice look and show appropriate wear from use. All motions operate smoothly. The compass face is nice and the compass needle swings north. Cross hairs are present.

The leather covered box is missing the top leather cover, a common situation. The box is a proper size and era light mountain box, but it seems to have been swapped from another instrument as the interior is set up for a solar instrument with places for the Burt Attachment, the aux level, the adjusting bar, etc. This W. & L. E. Gurley transit is not set up for those attachments and so was swapped to this box at some point.

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

W. & L. E. Gurley Pre 1880 Surveying Transit This large Gurley Surveyor's Transit is in good overall cosmetic condition. It will display well. There is no serial # dating it from prior to 1908. The standards are a straight leg A further dating it prior to 1880.

One vertical crosshair is present. The optics are OK. The scope is 11". The leveling base disconnects from the instrument to store in its own place in the proper wood box that has been painted. The instrument compass points north, and the bubbles are OK. It is early enough that the face is hand engraved.

This early Gurley instrument will display very nicely in any instrument collection. Nice.

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

W. & L. E. Gurley Special Order "Made Expressly For" Survey Transit  This unusual W. & L. E. Gurley Transit is closest in size and form to a Light Mountain size instrument. It has several features different from the norm. Most notably it is engraved on the compass face, under the glass, "Made Expressly For Jas H. Blackburn"  & "El Paso De Robles Cal."  A quick Google search turns up he owned a large sheep ranch in San Luis Obispo Co. during the proper time frame of late 19th century.

The scope is 8" long. The box is smaller than the typical leather covered Light Mountain Box. This is how I first noticed this transit was a different size as it looks so much like a typical Light Mountain. The half circle on the side @ 6" dia. is larger than typical. The fine adjusts are a bit different, heavier duty, as well.

It is in pretty nice overall condition. All motions are free, optics are good, good bubbles, crosshairs, etc.   The tripod mount size is 3.625" x 18 TPI, and I have a kind of beat up tripod that size listed below if you want it displayed on a tripod.

Good  + . . . . . . $995.00      SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Recon Transit  The Gurley Recon Transit is bigger than their Expedition model and about the same length as the Light Mountain, but with a smaller and lighter frame and scope. The scope is only 9" long. The instrument is in nice overall condition with no issues. There is no serial # which would date it from before 1908. The standards would date it from after the 1880s. The box was refinished at some point.   A nice display piece.

Good + . . . . . . . $695.00       SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Engineer's Survey Transit  This large & graphic W. & L. E. Gurley Engineer's  Transit will make for a great display piece. It is in pretty nice overall condition and looks great. All motions are free, optics are good, good bubbles, crosshairs, etc. Under the compass glass the needle lifting ring is gone. It is hardly noticeable. This transit was cleaned and made to look good before I got it. Not sure where the lifting ring got to during that process but it is gone. I have the bottom of the original box. The lid and top of the box are gone. It is rough and has little finish. You can have it or not. Might add a few dollars to ship it, and it would afford the instrument added protection in transit.

Good  . . . . . . $475.00         SOLD!!

c. 1919 W. & L. E. Gurley Engineers Transit  This large W. & L. E. Gurley transit is offered as seen without a box. It is in overall good original un-cleaned condition. It is a large and graphic instrument that will make for a great display piece. The scope is 11" and it has a 5" half circle vernier. All three level bubbles are good, and the 5" compass need swings north as it should. The serial # begins with a 19 would date this transit from 1919.

All motions operate freely and smoothly. The optics are good, and crosshairs are present. It will make for a great display piece.  Nice!!

Good  . . . . . $350.00      SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Pre 1880 Engineer's Surveying Transit  This early & large Gurley Surveying Transit is in very nice overall condition.It has a repair and service tag inside that indicates it was cleaned & calibrated in 1983. There is no serial # dating it from prior to 1908. The standards are straight leg A style further dating it prior to 1880. The scope is 11". The optics are good & crosshairs are present.  All motions are free and smooth. Bubbles are all good. The compass functions as it should. There is a brass ring adapter to change the tripod mount down to 3 1/3 x 8 TPI so it can be used on later more standard tripods.The mahogany box is very nice. A nice instrument for the collection or casual use.

Fine . . . . . $995.00        SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Pre 1880 Gurley Surveying Transit  This large Gurley Surveyor's Transit is in good overall condition. There is no serial # dating it from prior to 1908. The standards are a straight leg A further dating it prior to 1880.The rear eyepiece for the crosshairs focus has to be twisted slightly or the gear skips when focusing the crosshairs. The optics are good. The scope is 11". The box is correct but only has Elliot markings.

This early Gurley instrument will display very nicely in any instrument collection. Nice

Good  . . . . . $550.00     SOLD!!

c. 1880 W. & L. E. Gurley Engineers Transit in Box  This large W. & L. E. Gurley transit is in overall good original condition. It is a large and graphic instrument that will make for a great display piece. The scope is 11" and it has a 5" full vernier circle. All three level bubbles are good, and the 5" compass need swings north and locks as it should. All motions operate freely and smoothly. The optics are good, and crosshairs are present.

There is no serial # and so dates from prior to 1908, and after about 1880 given the bent leg standards. It will make for a great display piece. Nice!!

Fine  . . . . . $895.00      SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Light Mountain Transit  Offered here is a nice looking antique W. & L. E. Gurley transit in its original box. There is no serial # which would date this Gurley Light Mountain size transit as pre 1908. The overall condition is excellent. It has not been cleaned or otherwise fiddled with and has a nice even patina. All motions operate freely and smoothly. The level bubbles are all good. The optics are good, and crosshairs are present. The compass is operable and points north. It will make for a great display piece. The box is in nice condition with original finish. There is a plumb bob, screwdriver, sunshade and K & E loupe stored in the box.

Fine  . . . . . $595.00       SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley # 76 Architects Transit   A nice looking W. & L. E. Gurley instrument, but has issues with the optics and there are no cross hairs I can see. The rest is very nice. It is a pre serial # W. & L. E. Gurley transit dating it from before 1908. It is a very large and graphic unit, it will be a great display piece.   Priced as is and for decoration.

Good - . . . . . . $250.00      SOLD!!

c. 1951 W. & L. E. Gurley Hell Gate Precise Transit / Theodolite in Box   This later W. & L. E. Gurley instrument has a couple odd characteristics. First, the scope is so long that it can not turn a circle within the standards.  In addition to the longer than usual scope it has special order magnifiers to help read the plate vernier scales.They move side to side on a special rod attached to the plate. A feature I had seen in catalogs before, but never actually on an instrument.  Different, and Nice!!

Good +  . . . . . . $375.00

Gurley Light Mountain Transit   The serial # of 511364 would date it from 1951.  Everything works and the optics are crisp and clear. It is in overall good condition. It will make for a fine general purpose user or nice display piece.

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

W. & L. E. Gurley Pre 1880 Surveying Transit This large Gurley Surveyor's Transit is in good overall cosmetic condition. It will display well. There is no serial # dating it from prior to 1908. The standards are a straight leg A further dating it prior to 1880.

The crosshairs are present, but a bit off center. The optics are OK. The scope is 11". The leveling base disconnects from the instrument to store in its own place in the proper and nice wood box. The instrument has a non reflective dark lacquer finish that is pretty nice. The compass points north, and the bubbles are all OK.

This early Gurley instrument will display very nicely in any instrument collection. Nice.

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

Gurley Light Mountain Transit  A nice looking antique Gurley transit in its original box. The serial # is 20269 dating this from 1922 . The overall condition is good. It has not been cleaned or otherwise fiddled with and has a nice patina. All motions operate freely and smoothly. The level bubbles are all good. The optics are good, and crosshairs are present. The compass is operable and points north. It will make for a great display piece. The box is in nice condition.

Good +  . . . . . $650.00       SOLD!!

Gurley #28 Light Mountain Transit w/ Tripod w/ Patented 1878 Quick Leveling Head  This is a very nice Antique W. & L. E. Gurley  #28 Light Mountain Transit.It comes with a rare Gurley accessory called a quick adjust leveling head, a collapsible leg tripod, and a hard to find internal reel plumb bob. The auxiliary mounting adapter has a fitted spot inside the box, but there is no easy way to utilize it, and it has been surmised that it was used with a small wye or other level in the field as was typical in the day when surveyors would carry more than one instrument into the field for different applications. (See pic 3 & 4)  This adapter has a station inside the box so one can assume it was special ordered at the time of the original purchase.

This antique surveyors transit does not have a serial # thus dating it from pre 1908.The A shaped standards have a bend near the bottom dating it from the 1880's or later. The Mahogany box is very nice with original finish. It has a 4 1/2" vertical half circle is graduated on silver and reads to a minute. The silvered compass face is clean & nice. The compass needle works well and locks as it should.

All motions operate freely and smoothly. All three level bubbles are good. The optics are good, and crosshairs are present. All in all a nice piece with some unusual additions / features.

Good +  . . . . . $1295.00       SOLD!!

Gurley Light Mountain Mining Transit   This is a very nice and very hard to find Antique Gurley Mining transit. It is not just a regular Gurley Light Mountain transit. It is set up specifically to be a mining transit w/ a second scope mounted on the scope axle on the side of the instrument.

Typical Gurley Light Mountain transits turn up pretty regularly. Gurley Solar Transits built on this size frame turn up now and again as well. I have one listed below, and have had and sold several of those solar instruments over the years. This is the first Gurley transit set up exclusively to be a mining transit I have ever had or seen. The box is set up for the second auxiliary scope and the special connector piece, but alas, both of these pieces to complete this transit are missing.  

This antique mining transit does not have a serial # thus dating it from pre 1908. The standards have a bend near the bottom dating it from the 1880's or later. The leather covered fitted box is nice noting some weak seams. The 4 1/2" full vertical circle is graduated on silver and reads to a minute. The silvered compass face is clean & nice. The compass works well. The auxiliary scope was designed to mount on the scopes axis outside the standards on the side. The other side has a large knurled knob that doubles as a counterweight. The overall condition is nice, and other than a cap and spring missing from the plate adjuster on one side, I really see no other apologies other than the missing scope mentioned before.

Mining transits were used in situations where the operator had to shoot down vertical shafts or odd angles. When mounted on the side it projected past the plate to allow the user to shoot that line. Different manufacturers used different approaches to solve the problem. Gurley's number for the secondary scope was #160. Catalogs of the era show that it could be ordered to mount over the scope as well. Other manufactures used the same means or slight variations.  Buff offered a version where the main scope could be released and moved into another position further out on the standards above the plate. There is also a version with a leaning frame to allow for the same effect.

Good +  . . . . . $1095.00    SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Vernier Transit Compass  This early W. & L. E. Gurley surveying instrument is pre Civil War and dates from the mid to late 1850's. This vernier transit compass was made shortly after the Phelps and Gurley company broke up and the W. & L. E. Gurley company was formed and began operations in Troy NY. Check out the tag inside the lid  from Larrabee & North a military goods dealer out of Chicago dated 1858.  It is a very early surveying instrument in the scheme of things.

Gurley referred to this design of a scope mounted over a compass as a vernier transit compass. The design for transits was evolving and had not yet been fully perfected. Note that there is no main level below the scope and that the scope, by design, has no lock feature. This design was first offered with flat standards, and Gurley switched to this style A standard design in 1855 according to the reference I read. Also note that this instrument has no leveling base. It was designed to sit atop a tripod with either a leveling head or just a swiveling knuckle joint to level it. The last pics show this compass / transit mounted on an appropriate period tripod. I have that tripod listed separately on the tripod page. They are being offered separately and the price below is for the instrument only.

The needle is 6" ( needs to be magnetized ) and the scope measures 11" long. The optics are clear but I see no crosshairs.  The original box is pretty nice noting the crack in the lid.   The compass face is hand engraved, and the Troy location is at the bottom. Please check all the pics. This is a large, graphic, and historically important early surveyors instrument that will make for a fine addition to any collection. 

Good + . . . . . . . $795.00         SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley #100 Reconnaissance Transit w/ Box  The Gurley #100 Reconnaissance transit is very small and lightweight surveying instrument when compared to the light mountain size transit or the even larger engineer size transits Gurley offered. It was designed to be carried into the field where weight and bulk were primary considerations. It stands approx. 10" tall to the top of the full circle vernier and has a 9" long scope. It weighs about 7 lbs. as opposed the 13 lb. a #28 Light mountain size transit weighs. The differences in scale & weight are evident when set next to each other. The 2 3/4" tripod mount size is also much smaller than the tripod the light mountain transit uses.

This transit has no serial # which would date it prior to 1908. Gurley. The patina this brass instrument has developed original and looks good. The vertical circle is silvered and nice. All motions move freely and the compass operation is good. The silvered compass face is nice as well with the name and location above the North Fleur d' Leis. The leveling bubbles are all good. The optics are clear and good.

This size transit is not seen often and is offered for sale even less often. Be sure to take a look at all the pictures, including the ones of the box. A nice instrument that will display nicely or be a great addition to the collection.

Good+ . . . . . . . $895.00     SOLD!!

W. L. & E. Gurley Vernier Transit / Compass w/ Box  This Gurley Compass / Transit is an early example that I believe dates from the Civil War era or just after. Note the size / dia. of the main plate and how wide it is compared to those on later transits. Gurley referred to this design of a scope mounted over a compass as a vernier transit compass in their early catalogs.

Another indication of how early this transit is that the scope can not turn a circle inside the early straight leg A frame standards. The design of transits and optics for them was evolving at this point and had not been perfected. Note also the hook it has on the bottom side of the plate. It is part of the plate vernier lock clamp. I am not sure what it is for, but it looks original and has the same patina as the rest of the instrument. This instrument has its original patina and has not been polished or buffed up. All three of the level vials are good. most of the screws turn easily. The compass face is bronzed and looks to be hand engraved. Note also the size and design of the Fleur-d-lie at the north point. The Troy NY location is at the bottom.

On the down side, the plate is slightly off balance, or out of round and so does not want to turn a full circle as it should. Looking at the bottom leveling head area the spindle mount has a different patina, but its holes line up and so it may have been worked on at some point. The other parts of the leveling head work as they should. This transit is being sold as is and as a display piece.

Good  . . . . . .$695.00       SOLD!!

W. L. & E. Gurley #100 Reconnaissance Transit   This transit was offered by Gurley and was designed to be carried into the field where weight and bulk were primary considerations. The instrument with the leather covered box and smaller than usual tripod could be more easily carried in the field.   This particular instrument also came equipped with the seldom seen Beaman Stadia Arc which was designed first in 1904 and issued a patent in 1906. It was offered by Gurley as an accessory that could be attached to the vertical circle of instruments to help simplify and speed up the figuring of elevations and other Stadia related work. This instrument dates from very close to this date, and like many Gurley instruments carries no serial # thus making exact dating a task at times.

There is a very nice and informative site on the Internet called The Virtual Museum of Survey History that has dating charts for many of the major makers of surveying instruments if you need help determining the age of an instrument that you have.

All motions on this transit move freely and the compass operation is flawless. The silvered compass face is in excellent condition as well.    The leveling bubbles are all good. The overall finish, a bronzed or green lacquer has some chips and scrapes but in general looks good and is original.

W. L. & E. Gurley of Troy New York was the dominant force in the manufacture and distribution of quality surveying instruments from the time of their inception in the mid 1800's thru today. Their name has always been associated with top of the line quality throughout their history, and the instruments they manufactured to help build America are second to none. This size transit is not seen often and  is offered for sale even less often. Be sure to take a look at all the pictures, including the ones of the leather covered box. The box itself is nice, but the top leather portion has become detached and is missing. What remains is nice, but has several sewn seams that are coming undone.  A nice instrument that will display nicely or be a great addition to the collection.

Good + . . . . .$895.00      SOLD

W. L. & E. Gurley #100 Reconnaissance Transit   Here is another similar to the one above in a different finish.There is no serial # so it dates prior to 1908. This size transit was offered by Gurley to be carried into the field where weight and bulk were primary considerations. The box is nice, and overall it is in excellent condition. A nice instrument that will display nicely or be a great addition to the collection.

Good + . . . . .$795.00     SOLD

W. & L. E Gurley #28 Light Mountain Transit  This transit is in very nice condition and dates from 1913 as evidenced by the serial number on the face of the engraved compass. Dating Gurley instruments can sometimes be a challenge as they did not always have serial #s as a guide. Often times the vintage of a piece has to be determined by minor changes in construction or design features, or from something as innocuous as the picture of the factory that was often included in the box which was changed over the years as the company grew and prospered. Also determining the exact model # can be challenging as well as such small differences as the configuration of the vertical Vernier, or scale could change the number. This transit looks like a #27 also and could well be one. There is a very nice and informative site on the Internet called The Virtual Museum of Survey History that has dating charts for many of  the major makers of surveying instruments if you need help determining the age of an instrument that you have.

W. L. & E. Gurley of Troy New York was the dominant force in the manufacture and distribution of quality surveying instruments from the time of their inception in the mid 1800's thru today. Their name has always been associated with top of the line quality throughout their history, and the instruments they manufactured to help build America are second to none.

All motions on this transit move freely and the compass operation is flawless. The silvered compass face is in excellent condition as well. The leveling bubbles are all good. The overall finish has a nice even patina and there are no major detractions or problems with the condition of the super piece.

Note: the plumb bob at the base, it is one of the unusual internal reel models and is being sold separately and is not included. Be sure to take a look at all the pictures, including the one of the leather covered box that this size instrument and the smaller Explorer model came in as they were meant to be carried into the field. It is nice, but has several sewn seams that are coming undone.  A nice instrument that will display nicely or be a great addition to the collection.

Good . . . . .$950.00       SOLD

W. & L. E Gurley #12 Engineers Transit   This large transit is in very nice original condition and dates from before the turn of the century or  as far as I can determine. This simple model was offered by Gurley and has no vertical circle or even a means to lock the scope in place. Note that there is no long level under the scope as one would expect, and this is proper for the #12.  According to the catalogs I have this is proper, but they give no explanation or rational for this or where or when such a set-up would be used.

Gurley has been in the surveying instrument business since the mid 1800's and unlike many other scientific instrument makers, they only sporadically used serial #'s as a means to date or record the manufacture of their instruments. The scope on this instrument is 11.5 inches long, and the needle on the compass is over 5".   There is a very nice and informative site on the Internet called The Virtual Museum of Survey History than has dating charts for many of  the major makers of surveying instruments, as well as a wealth of other information if you need help determining the age of or history of an instrument that you have.

Good . . . . .$750.00     SOLD

W. & L. E Gurley #76 Surveyor's / Architects Transit   This large Surveyor's transit is in very nice original condition and dates from near the turn of the century or before as far as I can determine. Gurley has been in the surveying instrument business since the mid 1800's and unlike many other scientific instrument makers, they never, or only sporadically used serial #'s as a means to date or record the manufacture of their instruments. The scope on this instrument is 11.5 inches long, and the needle on the compass is over 5".  The serial number on the face of the silvered & engraved compass is 9662. Dating Gurley instruments can sometimes be a challenge as they did not always have serial #s as a guide, and if not from after 1908 then the serial # is not able to be matched exactly to a given date. After 1908 the first two digits were typically the year of manufacture, but this is not the case with a serial # from before then.. Often times the vintage of a piece has to be determined by minor changes in construction or design features, or from something as innocuous as the picture of the factory that was often included in the box which was changed over the years as the company grew and prospered.

Even determining the exact model # can be a challenge as such small differences as the configuration of the vertical Vernier, or scale could change the model number of the transit. This transit looks like a #76 in the illustrations of the catalog I am looking in, but could be some other designation. Because of its size and design though, there is no doubt that is the designation of a Architects transit given it has no vertical circle. The optics are clear, crosshairs present, and the motions are all free   The box is nice as well but as is typical shows some signs of use and age.

There is a very nice and informative site on the Internet called The Virtual Museum of Survey History that has dating charts for many of  the major makers of surveying instruments, as well as a wealth of other information if you need help determining the age of or history of an instrument that you have.

Good . . . . .$1150.00      SOLD

W. & L. E Gurley #16 Surveyor's / Engineers Transit  This large Engineers transit is in good original condition. It has developed a rich dark patina. It is very similar the one pictured above with the addition of a half vertical circle. Gurley has been in the surveying instrument business since the mid 1800's and unlike many other scientific instrument makers they only sporadically used serial #'s as a means to date or record the manufacture of their instruments. The scope on this instrument is 11.5 inches long, and the needle on the compass is 5".  Often times the vintage of a piece has to be determined by minor changes in construction or design features, or from something as innocuous as the picture of the factory that was often included in the box which was changed over the years as the company grew and prospered. Even determining the exact model # can be a challenge as such small differences as the configuration of the vertical Vernier, or scale could change the model number of the transit. This transit looks like a #16 in the illustrations of the catalog I am looking in, but could be some other designation. Because of its size and design though, there is no doubt that is the designation of a Engineers transit given the vertical circle. The optics are clear, crosshairs present, and the motions are all free but a bit stiff   The box is OK but as is typical shows signs of use and age.

Good . . . . .$750.00      SOLD

W. & L. E Gurley Surveyor's Transit   This large surveying transit is in very nice original condition and dates from before the turn of the century, and is somewhat earlier than the model above. It has many of the same features as the one above, and I believe they would be the same model number, just from a different era. The most noticeable differences between the two are the configuration of the standards, this one having the earlier straight A frame, and the fact that the bottom leveling base is detachable and stores separately in the box unlike later models where it is all one unit. I do not know the exact time frame for these different changes, but they are indicative of an earlier instrument that probably dates from the 1880's or perhaps a bit earlier.   The optics are clear, crosshairs present, and the motions are all free   The box is nice as well but as is typical shows some signs of use and age.

Good . . . . . SOLD

Gurley Engineers Transit   The needle is 4" long and the scope is 8 3/4" long. Overall the transit is approx. 12" tall. This transit was cleaned and buffed a few years ago, and is beginning to mellow back to a less shiny state. There is a small plaque attached that says that this was once #11 of the Tenn. Highway Dept. I would guess that it dates from the early part of the last century. It comes in its original wood dovetailed box, that someone has added newer hook type hasps to as the key is gone. The tripod was refinished as well and looks great. This super looking piece displays very nicely, and will look great set up in the office or den.

Good . . . . .$895.00       SOLD

W. & L. E. Gurley Surveyor's Transit This compact little Gurley transit is by the best known and most renowned maker of surveying instruments that ever produced instruments in America. The level bubbles / vials are all good, the compass needles swings freely as it should. It seems to be fully functional, and the main detraction is the lack of finish on the aluminum protective shroud covering the vertical Vernier on the side. It is a later instrument from those above, as evidenced by the style and finish, and probably dates from after WWII. It is in as found condition and has not been cleaned or adjusted. The Mahogany box has been repaired ( as can be seen in the pics) but looks OK. It will make a nice display piece, or a good user, but I have not used it myself or tested it.

Good . . . . .$395.00      SOLD

W. & L. E. Gurley #100 Reconnaissance Transit  This Gurley #100 Recon transit was designed to be carried into the field where weight and bulk were primary considerations. It stands approx 10" tall to the top of the full circle vernier and has a 9" long scope. It weighs about 7 lbs as opposed the #28 Light mountains 13 lbs and the differences in scale & weight are evident when set next to each other. The 2 3/4" tripod size is also smaller than the light mountain transit uses.   The optics are good, and there is one vertical and 3 horizontal crosshairs.

This transit would date approx from the last quarter of the 1800's to before 1908 and like many Gurley instruments carries no serial # thus making exact dating a task at times. Gurley did not begin to use serial #'s until 1908.  There is a very nice and informative site on the Internet called The Virtual Museum of Survey History than has dating charts for many of  the major makers of surveying instruments if you need help determining the age of an instrument that you have.   

All motions move freely and the compass operation is OK. The silvered compass face is nice as well with the name and location above the North Fleur d' Leis. The leveling bubbles are all good. The overall finish of natural brass looks good and is original with a nice rich patina.

W. L. & E. Gurley of Troy New York was the dominant force in the manufacture and distribution of quality surveying instruments from the time of their inception in the mid 1800's thru today. Their name has always been associated with top of the line quality throughout their history, and the instruments they manufactured to help build America are second to none. This size transit is not seen often and is offered for sale even less often. Be sure to take a look at all the pictures, including the ones of the box.  A nice instrument that will display nicely or be a great addition to the collection.

Good+ . . . . . .$850.00     SOLD!

W. & L. E. Gurley Surveyors Transit  This large and early W & L. E. Gurley Surveyors transit has straight A frame standards which would indicate it dates from the 1880s or before. The finish, a bronzed or green lacquer is original and 95% or better. It looks great contrasting with the bright brass knobs and thumbscrews.This instrument had been in the same family for over 4 generations and the overall original condition is exceptional.  The dovetailed mahogany box  is nice as well.

This early transit has an 11" Scope and a 5" compass needle making it one of the larger transits Gurley offered. They also came with 4 and 6" needles. The optics are perfect, and the crosshairs are present with 3 horizontal and one vertical. The 3 different leveling bubbles are all good with original blue fluid. All motions on this transit move freely and the compass operation is flawless. The silvered compass face is in excellent condition and the engraving is crisp and bold. The Troy NY location is at the bottom of the compass which is another indication of the early manufacture. This transit has an unusually small 3" vertical circle that must have been special ordered. Typically you see larger vernier circles on instruments this large.It gives it a nice look. Note that the tangent screws are not spring loaded and are on top of the plate.. This is another indication of its early manufacture.

Exact dating  of earlier Gurley instruments can be difficult. Gurley did not use serial numbers until after 1908. There is a very nice and informative site on the Internet called The Virtual Museum of Survey History than has dating charts for many of the major makers of surveying instruments. If you need help determining the age of an instrument that you have that is the place to go. They go into quite a bit of detail trying to help date Gurley transits, but it is an inexact science at best.

W. L. & E. Gurley of Troy New York was the dominant force in the manufacture and distribution of quality surveying instruments from the time of their inception in the mid 1800's. Their name was always been associated with top of the line quality products and the surveying related instruments they manufactured to help build America are second to none. Be sure to take a look at all the pictures to get a sense of the exceptional condition this instrument is in.   A nice instrument that is a piece of American history, and will display nicely or be a great addition to the growing collection.

Fine . . . . . . .$1200.00     SOLD!

W. & L. E. Gurley Surveyors Transit  This early Gurley A frame standard transit is in very nice original condition.It has a 4" needle and would be the smallest size transit Gurley offered at this time. They also came with 5 and 6 " needles. As can be seen from the 2 labels in the lid of the box it hails from Little Falls NY which is close to the home base of Gurley in Troy NY.

The compass face is not marked Gurley but it is obviously a Gurley instrument. It is hand engraved, and has a SS and #3 stamped under the compass needle rosette. I have been told those initials are those of Seneca Stephens a Gurley master instrument maker in Gurley's employ. The #3 could be an indicator that this instrument was made in 1873 when considered with the other early features this transit exhibits.  I am not sure why Gurley did not mark it with their name before leaving the factory. Other features indicating its early manufacture are the fact that the tangent lock is found atop of the plate, and is not spring loaded. The straight A frame standards confirms this as does the style of the box, and the fact that tripod mount / leveling base is removable and stored separately in the box.  

The optics are OK, but some of the spider web crosshairs have some loose and small strands besides the main crosshairs can be seen when sighting it. All the motions are free, and all bubbles with original colored fluid are good. It has a full circle silvered vertical vernier and the horizontal limb has two viewing windows for the vernier there.

The compass needle is 4", and the compass face measures about 5". making the the smallest standard size transit Gurley offered at this time.   It has a smaller than typical tripod mount with the center male threaded portion being 1 1/4 and the outer ring measuring 2 3/4".The box is OK  The leather strap is broken.   The fixed leg tripod, which is included in the price, is OK but appears to have a replaced leg, and another one of the thin legs is wrapped in old black friction tape. It might be a repair, or there as an ID marker. I did not remove it to see.

A very nice looking and hard to find early Gurley transit in original finish and patina that will display very nicely.

Good+ . . . . . . .$950.00      SOLD!

W. & L. E. Gurley Vernier Transit  This early Gurley A frame transit is a very nice looking instrument. .It is a large early vernier transit w/  a 5" needle and 11" scope.This transit looks very similar to one pictured in the 1883 Twenty Fourth edition of the Gurley Manual and is identified in Fig 19 as a vernier transit compass.Gurley describes this simple arrangement as being useful for long sightings where a scope would provide benefits over the use of standard sight vanes on a surveyors compass.   The vernier adjustment / tangent lock is mounted on the top of the plate are not spring loaded which is another indication of its early manufacture. The adjuster and stop operate properly, but the plate and vernier themselves are very stiff and it does not swing freely as it should. The other motions and screws are all free and operate properly.

There is no serial number on this instrument although some pieces are stamped with the #12 which I believe is the employee makers mark. Gurley did not use serial numbers until after 1908.I believe it dates from even earlier than 1883 given some of its features, but it is very hard to determine the exact age of Gurley instruments from this period.

 The compass works well, and the silvered face is very nice. The face appears to be hand engraved also confirming its early manufacture date of pre 1880. The large level under the scope is full, but appears to be a later replacement as does one of the vials in the lower levels. The two lower level vials are full, but one is clear, and one blue.The optics are good.  The box is not original to the instrument and has been repaired.  The tripod is nice, proper, and included in the price, It is a 60" stiff leg model in very nice condition. The mount size is 4".

A very nice looking and hard to find early Gurley compass / transit in original finish and patina that will display very nicely.

Good . . . . . . .$750.00     SOLD!!

1880's W. & L. E. Gurley Engineer's Transit w/ Theodolite Axis  The Gurley A Frame Transit / Theodolite w/ wye frame axis pictured here is a rare, early and unusual variation that W. & L. E. Gurley offered in their earliest catalogs and dropped from the line in the 1880's. The original condition is fantastic. It is the only example I have ever seen in person.

A description of this transits features and its intended uses can be found in early Gurley catalog entries from this era which are available online. There is a similar example pictured and described in the Skerritt book that cataloged the Charles Smart collection of antique surveying instruments. Skerritt rates this form transit as a 9 / very rare in the scheme of things. Most other more typical instruments from the same era get 6 - 8 ratings.  There is no serial number on this instrument but the plate does have a engraved #46 in a diamond on it. Gurley did not use serial numbers until after 1908.

This Gurley Engineers Transit w/ Wye Axis has  a 5" needle and 11" scope.The compass works well, and the silvered compass face is very nice.The face appears to be hand engraved with the Troy NY location at the top indicating its manufacture date of around 1880 or a bit later. The vernier adjustments / tangent lock is mounted on the top of the plate and are not spring loaded which is another indication of its early manufacture. The adjuster and stop operate properly, as do all other motions and screws. The thumb screw to lock the motion of the scope looks to have an early repair and is operable and stable. The large level under the scope is empty. The two lower level vials are full.  The image is erect and optics are crystal clear. There is one vertical and 3 horizontal crosshairs. The box is original to the instrument and very nice.

A very nice looking and hard to find early Gurley transit / theodolite with a very unusual set-up in original finish and patina that will display very nicely and make for a great addition to the advanced surveying instrument collection.

Fine . . . . . . .$2000.00 - 3000.00   SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Engineers / Surveyor's Transit w/ Double Mark F. W. Lincoln Jr. / Boston Mass  This large early and unusually marked Gurley transit is in very nice original condition. This transit is double marked under the glass with the second name F. W. Lincoln Jr./ Boston Mass. He is listed in Smart's book on Surveying, as an instrument maker and also has a short bio and a compass he made pictured at the site www.Surveyhistory.org   At the bottom of this ad is an excerpt from the bio from Smarts from that survey history site.

This engineers /surveying transit dates from before 1883 when Lincoln sold the business. There is no serial # under the glass, but upon examination there is a #17 stamped in several places.  Other early features include the straight A shaped legs or standards holding the scope, also the tangent lock is found atop of the plate, and is not spring loaded. In addition to making his own instruments Lincoln must have contracted out to Gurley for special pieces or to meet the high demand during this period. This is the first of these I have seen, and Smart does not mention any double marked examples in his book.

The scope measures just about 11" and it stands approx 12" tall. .The compass needle is 5 inches, and the compass face measures about 6". The compass face is hand engraved, and the location Troy NY is at the bottom near the south point another indication of its early manufacture.The silvered face is nice, and engraving is very nice.  The optics are clear, and the crosshairs are present but the vertical appears to be off center to my eye. All  motions are free, and all 3 level bubbles are original and good with the typical blue liquid filling. The dovetailed Mahogany box is nice and has been nicely refinished . The leather strap is a new replacement and looks good as well. A very nice looking piece that will display very nicely in most any setting with its original patina..

Good+ . . . . . . .$950.00         SOLD!

W. & L. E. Gurley #100 Reconnaissance Transit  The Gurley #100 Reconnaissance transit is very small and lightweight when compared to the light mountain size transit or the even larger engineer and surveyor size transits Gurley offered. It was designed to be carried into and used in the field where weight and bulk were primary considerations. It stands approx. 10" tall to the top of the full circle vernier and has a 9" long scope. It weighs about 7 lbs. as opposed the 13 lb. a #28 Light mountain size transit weighs. The differences in scale & weight are clearly evident when set next to each other. The 2 3/4" tripod mount size, and the tripod itself also much smaller than the tripod the light mountain and other transits use.

This transit has no serial number which would date it from before 1908. The bent A frame standards would date it from after 1880. The green lacquer finish over brass is original and near perfect. The vertical circle is silvered and nice. All motions move freely and the compass operation is good. The optics are clear, and the crosshairs, 3 horizontal, and one vertical are present  The silvered compass face is nice as well with the name and Troy NY location above the North Fleur d' Leis. The leveling bubbles are all good. The optics are clear and good. The box is in excellent condition and so are the linings inside. The original plumb bob, sunshade and a few small adjusting tools are also present. The small lightweight tripod shown in the first pics is included and it looks great noting that one leg bracket clamp is broken. This will not affect casual use or displaying it.

This size transit is not seen often and is offered for sale even less often. Be sure to take a look at all the pictures, including the ones of the box and the instrument mounted on the tripod. A nice instrument that will display nicely or be a great addition to the collection.

Fine . . . . . . .$795.00          SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Vernier Engineer's Transit  This early W. & L. E. Gurley surveying instrument dates from the mid to late 1800's and would be considered Civil War era. It is a very early instrument in the scheme of things as denoted by the straight A frame Legs of the standards, the extra long scope which can not turn a full circle within the standards, and the hand engraved compass plate.

The elongated length of the scope does not have the ability to turn a full circle within the standards as later instruments are able to do. When this instrument was produced the design for surveying instrument optics was still evolving and had not yet been fully perfected. The optics are clear. The scope measures nearly 13" long. The needle is 6" and swings freely. The engraved and silvered compass face is very nice with the Troy location at the bottom.     The original box is solid and pretty nice noting missing finish in areas. Please check all the pics. This is a large, graphic, and historically important early surveyors / engineers transit displays very nicely and will make for a fine addition to any collection. 

Good + . . . . . . .$995.00          SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Transit w/ Optical Plummet  This Gurley transit with optical plummet is in like new condition. I even have the original cardboard shipping box from Gurley which I have not shown in the pics. The serial # is TY1482. dating this piece from 1960's or so. The needle works properly and is 3 1/2"  The scope is 10" and it has a 5" vertical circle. The Mahogany box with dovetailed corners is very nice, and inside are the marked screwdriver, instruction pamphlet, magnifier, oil bottle, and more. The green matte finish on this transit is near perfect. and I believe from the weight of this instrument that it is made of Aluminum. A nice instrument that will display nicely and be a great addition to the collection or is ready to use in the field. There is no tripod!!

Fine . . . . . $695.00       . SOLD!!

Gurley Transit  This Gurley transit was sold as surplus from a college that either discontinued their engineering program or upgraded to more modern instruments. It dates from the early 60's. It is a well made precision instrument. The overall condition is nice and it appears to have led an easy life spending most of its time on the shelf and not in the field.It is very light and i believe the body is made of aluminum. The optics are clear, and the crosshairs present. The compass is operational. It has a full vernier circle. One lower plate level bubble is dead and will need to be replaced. All other motions are free and I see no other issues. The flip up top Mahogany box is nice as well.   It takes a 3 1/2 x 8 tripod.  It will make a great user for the  general contractor or casual user.

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

W. & L. E. Gurley #100 Reconnaissance Transit  The Gurley #100 Reconnaissance transit is very small and lightweight when compared to the light mountain size transit or the even larger engineer size transits Gurley offered. It was designed to be carried into the field where weight and bulk were primary considerations. It stands approx. 10" tall to the top of the full circle vernier and has a 9" long scope. It weighs about 7 lbs. as opposed the 13 lb. a #28 Light mountain size transit weighs. The differences in scale & weight are evident when set next to each other. The 2 3/4" tripod mount size is also much smaller than the tripod the light mountain transit uses.

This transits serial # is 201337 which would date it from 1920. Gurley begin to use serial #'s until 1908. The green lacquer finish over brass is original and looks good with a nice rich patina. The vertical circle is silvered and nice. All motions move freely and the compass operation is good. The silvered compass face is nice as well with the name and location above the North Fleur d' Leis. The leveling bubbles are all good. The optics are clear and good.

This size transit is not seen often and is offered for sale even less often. Be sure to take a look at all the pictures, including the ones of the box. A nice instrument that will display nicely or be a great addition to the collection.

Good+ . . . . . . . $995.00     SOLD!!

Antique & Collectible
Gurley Compasses

The



W. & L. E. Gurley No. 285 Pocket Railroad Compass This small compact pocket railroad compass is in fine near mint condition.

The original dark green / black lacquer finish is great. The 3 1/2" needle functions, and the silvered and engraved compass face is very nice. All the motions on the compass are free and operable. The Knuckle joint leveling head, which fits separately into the mahogany box is nice as well.

Gurley pocket railroad compasses came in 2 different sizes and different features or accessories could be ordered for them. This is the #285 with a 3 1/2 needle, the smallest size Gurley made. You could also order auxiliary scopes with or without circles, and a pocket model railroad compass with a solar attachment was an option as well.

There is no serial number which would date this from before 1908. The Troy New York location is at the north which on most compasses and other Gurley instruments indicates an early manufacture date. From the label style of box, and other features I would estimate that this compass dates from the 1880s or before.

A very nice piece of surveying history that is very hard to find and will make for a great addition to the collection!

Fine + . . . . . . $1250.00        SOLD!!

Gurley # 285 Pocket Railroad Compass The condition of this small compact pocket railroad compass is nice. The 3 1/2" needle functions, and the silvered and engraved compass face is very nice. All the motions on the compass are free and operable. The knuckle joint is present. There is also another piece that seems after market to use to display it. The correct plumb bob is also present.

Gurley pocket railroad compasses came in 2 different sizes and different features or accessories could be ordered for them. This is the #285 with a 3 1/2 needle, the smallest size Gurley made. You could also order auxiliary scopes with or without circles, and a pocket model compass with a solar attachment. The ad below for an empty box has the same # on it, and i believe held an aux. scope for this type of compass

There is no serial number which would date this from before 1908. The Troy New York location is at the north which on most compasses and other Gurley instruments indicates an early manufacture date. From the label style of box, and other features I would guess that this compass dates from the 1880s or before.

A very nice piece of surveying history that is very hard to find!

Good +  . . . . . . $895.00     SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley No. 285 Pocket Railroad Compass Super nice!! The condition of this small compact pocket railroad compass is super w/ no apologies. The 3 1/2" needle functions, and the silvered and engraved compass face is very nice. All the motions on the compass are free and operable. The knuckle joint leveling head is present.

Gurley pocket railroad compasses came in 2 different sizes and different features or accessories could be ordered for them. This is the # 285 with a 3 1/2 needle, the smallest size Gurley made. You could also order auxiliary scopes with or without circles, and a pocket model compass with a solar attachment.

There is no serial number which would date this from before 1908. The Troy New York location is at the north which on most compasses and other Gurley instruments indicates an early manufacture date.

A very nice surveying instrument and piece of surveying history that is very hard to find!

Fine . . . . . . $1095.00       SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley #285 Pocket Railroad Compass w/ Tripod   The condition of this small compact pocket railroad compass is near mint. The original dark green / black lacquer finish is great. The 3 1/2" needle functions, and the silvered and engraved compass face is very nice. All the motions on the compass are free and operable. The leveling head, which fits separately into the mahogany box is nice as well. The original tripods for these instruments are very hard to find. This one has been adapted to a larger tripod with a new center threaded mount installed inside the outer ring. It works nicely.

Gurley pocket railroad compasses came in 2 different sizes and different features or accessories could be ordered for them. This is the #285 with a 3 1/2 needle, the smallest size Gurley made. The larger model had a 4 1/2 needle in this style compass. You could also order auxiliary scopes with or without circles, and a pocket model compass with a solar attachment.

There is no serial number which would date this from before 1908. The Troy New York location is at the north which on most compasses and other Gurley instruments indicates an early manufacture date. From the label style of box, and other features I would guess that this compass dates from the 1880s or before.

A very nice piece of surveying history that is very hard to find!

Fine . . . . . . .$1,000.00 - 3,000.00         SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Railroad Compass  The condition of this unusual & large Gurley surveying instrument is fabulous. The finishes on this Railroad Compass are near perfect. This is the largest size railroad compass Gurley produced, and it is huge compared to a typical vernier compass. Just saying it has a 6" needle and is 15" long and compared to those with a 4" or 5" needle is misleading. It is huge compared to those smaller compasses. The dimensions of the box are 16 3/4 x 10 x 5 tall, and it too is in fine original condition.

Both level vials are good. It also has a keeper or counter. One sight vane is missing its alignment pins. This instrument spent little time in the field or anywhere besides on a shelf in a nice climate. A very nice and very unusual piece.

Fine . . . . . $1495.00         SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Surveying Compass  This single vernier survey compass is an nice example of the Gurley firms work. The Troy NY location is at the bottom below the south point and I believe dates this compass from near the turn of the century. Gurley did not use serial numbers on their earlier, pre 1908, instruments and it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact year of manufacture.

The compass face is silvered and in good condition. The needle is 5" making this the middle size compass Gurley offered. The needle swings freely points north and locks as it should. The sight vanes are edge marked, proper and nice. Both level vials are full. All motions move freely and the thumbscrews are good. The box is nice with some minor rubs and chips at the edges.

All in all a nice example of a Gurley surveyors compass. It will display very nicely in or out of the box and has a great patina and graphic look to it. Good patina. Nice!!

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

W. & L. E. Gurley Survey Compass The box has a label for an outfit called Williams & Brown of Philadelphia. The compass bears only the Gurley name. I could find few references to them in references or online. They must have been an early and small Pennsylvania instrument distributer that were not around for long.

The compass measures approx. 15 inches long. The compass needle swings to north and the lock operates. The level vials are full. The tally keeper is good.The sight vanes fit well. It comes with a nice knuckle joint staff adapter. The box is nice and the Williams & Brown label there is protected with a piece of plastic. A nice looking early 19th century surveying instrument that will look nice on display.

Good + . . . . . . $550.00       SOLD!!

W. L. & E. Gurley #227 Surveyor's Vernier Compass w/ Auxiliary Scope   The overall condition of both the compass and the auxiliary scope are outstanding. This is a very nice example of Gurley's smallest size compass. Gurley Compasses could be ordered with 4, 5, or 6" needles. This smallest size compass w/ 4" needle is seen much less often than the larger size compasses with 5" or 6" long needles. The needle is just 4" long on this compass and the compass body measures just about 12" long.

 All motions and thumbscrews operate freely. The 2 level vials are good and original. It has a keeper as seen in the pics. The compass face is very nice and the Troy location is at the top with the Gurley name.The compass points north, and swings freely. Note that one site vane has edge graduations, and the other has two different sighting peep holes that swivel. The box is nice, as is the label inside.

The auxiliary scope is designed to fit on one compass sight vane as illustrated in the pics. It is in nice condition and just shows minor box tarnish. It is marked Gurley on the mounting block. It is also marked with a 1878 patent date. The optics are OK and the crosshairs are there although hard to bring into focus. A great size and graphic looking instrument that will display very nicely in any number of different collections.

Fine . . . . . . $1500.00 / Complete Set     SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Survey Compass  This single vernier compass is an nice example of the Gurley firms work. The Troy NY location is at the top above the North Fleur d' Lei and I believe dates this compass from after 1880. Gurley did not use serial numbers on their earlier, pre 1908, instruments and it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact year of manufacture.

The compass face is silvered and in fine condition. The needle is 5" making this the middle size compass Gurley offered. The needle swings freely points north and locks as it should. The Brass cover is present and nice. The circular counter / keeper operates as it should. Both level vials are full. All motions move freely and the thumbscrews are good.

The box is nice with some minor rubs and chips at the edges. There are two labels inside the top. Inside the box is the original screwdriver and the sight vane thumbscrews store away under the compass. The sight vanes are edge marked, proper and nice.

All in all a nice example of a hard to find early Gurley surveyors compass. It will display very nicely in or out of the box and has a great patina and graphic look to it.

Fine . . . . . . $750.00     SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Survey Compass The compass measures approx. 15 inches long. The needle swings to north and the lock operates. The level vials are full. The knuckle joint to allow for use with staff is present. It is the rarer more unusual version with a fine adjust to change the horizontal orientation. The sight vanes fit well, but have a different patina and one has been cleaned or swapped out at some point. The box is nice. All in all a nice looking early 19th century surveying instrument that will look nice on display.

Good + . . . . . . $795.00    SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Double Vernier Survey Compass The compass measures approx. 15 inches long. The compass needle swings to north and the lock operates. The level vials are full. The tally keeper is good. It has a vernier both inside under the glass, and on the plate. I believe it is referred to as a Railroad Compass. The sight vanes fit well. The box is nice and the label there complete  All in all a nice looking early 19th century surveying instrument that will look nice on display.

Good + . . . . . . $895.00    SOLD!!

W. & L. E. #232 Gurley Surveyor's Compass This Vernier Compass 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.

Excellent . . . . .$600.00 - 1200.00       SOLD

W. & L. E. # 232 Gurley Surveyor's Compass  This flat Vernier Compass is by the best known and most renowned maker of  surveying instruments that ever produced surveying instruments in America. This company was founded in the mid 1800's and became the best known and most widely respected of instrument makers in America. The bubbles are good, the compass needles swings freely as it should 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 had to be reputtied as it was loose, but looks great now.  As can be seen the cover for the compass is present as well. The silver on the face is nice, and I believe this instrument dates from the late 1800's.

Excellent . . . . .$600.00 - 1200.00         SOLD

W. & L. E. Railroad Double Vernier Compass  This double Vernier Compass is in super nice original condition. The bubbles are good, the compass needles swings freely as it should 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 silver on the face is nice, and I believe this instrument dates from the late 1800's.

Excellent . . . . .$800.00 - 1500.00         SOLD

W. & L. E. Gurley Surveyor's Compass  This Vernier Surveying Compass is a Gurley in a craftsman made box. The bubbles are good, the compass needles swings freely as it should and the sight veins and their screws are original and nice as well. The Pine box is nice but not original.  It has a needle that measures just under 6" and the instruments overall length is just under 16". It appears from the empty holes on the plate on the right side that the keeper or tally feature is missing, but there is no evidence of one ever being there. Perhaps it was an option and the holes are on all compass plates from this era. I do not know. The top glass appears to be original. The silver on the face is nice, and I believe this instrument dates from the late 1800's.

Excellent . . . . .$500.00 - 900.00        SOLD

Gurley #217 Surveyors Railroad Compass  This wonderful surveying instrument dates from the late 1800's and is in super original condition. It is the smaller of the two sizes of Railroad Surveying Compasses  that Gurley produced, with this example having a 5" needle and being 16" long from end to end. With two verniers, angles could be read to a degree of precision not available using a single Vernier as on the single Vernier Compasses or using just the needle as with Gurley #232 Plain Compass. In other words, this was the top of the line instrument for precise surveys during its time.

Excellent . . . . .$800.00 - 1500.00          SOLD

Gurley Railroad Compass with Auxiliary Scope   This was Gurley's largest and most complicated compass 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.

Excellent . . . . .$1000.00 - 2500.00         SOLD

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.

Excellent . . . . .$1500.00 - 2500.00         SOLD

W. & L. E. Gurley Vernier Compass w/ Auxiliary Scope  This is Gurley's largest surveying compass w/ a 6" needle along with their auxiliary sighting scope that would fit on one of the sighting vanes. This is a very nice and very graphic looking surveying instrument given its size and form. The scope is housed in its own proper box with Gurley label inside. It is marked with the patent info from the 1870's. (see additional pics) This set-up dates from about that time frame or a bit later.

Both the compass and scope are in beautiful condition with a mellow patina derived from light use for well over 100 years. Both boxes are nice as well. When Gurley offered instruments like this they could be ordered individually or as a set, and the boxes would be custom made to accommodate the instrument and accessories if ordered together, or one could buy them separately as seen here when there is more than one box.

Fine  . . . .$1200.00 - 2500.00        SOLD!!

W. & L. E Gurley / James Queen Surveyor's Compass  This is a nice looking early surveyor's compass. It is just under 16" long, and has a 5" needle. The compass points north as it should, but the needle lock does not function.  The level vials are good,  and the keeper dial clicks and stops as it should. The sight vanes are proper and 1 is edge marked with degree marks from 1-20 on both sides along the edge of it.   The other sight vane has 2 swinging peep hole sights on it. They are numbered to fit the compass and do fit the compass properly , but the locking pins are not present.

The box is well worn and has some chips at the edges and some missing wood at one end. There needs to be a small repair to this area to keep the compass from sliding when in place. There are remains of two labels inside that I can not make out any name on. There is info there, and pics of other representative instruments, but no name to be seen.  The interior pieces to hold the sight vanes and the missing knuckle joint have been glued and re-glued in place. At one point this was done with a silver colored material that now shows on the interior in places.  The box needs to be repaired and refinished to look as good as the compass.

The compass face is double marked James Queen Philadelphia Agent  around the ring, and W & L. E. Gurley, Troy New York. at the top and bottom.  James Queen first went into business for himself in the 1850's. In the early days the Queen Co was more a distributer than maker and had a contract with Gurley to market their products as Gurley's agent. This relationship is described and a short history of the Queen Co. can be found on the Smithsonian's sight under Queen when searching by maker. I believe that the way this compass face is marked would date it from early in the companies history.  Instruments sold under this arrangement can be found marked different ways, and I am not sure of the chronological order of the different markings.

All in all a nice example of a hard to find early surveyors compass. It will display very nicely out of the box and has a great patina and graphic look to it.

Good +. . . . . .$600.00 - 1200.00        SOLD!

W. & L. E Gurley Single Vernier Compass  This Gurley single vernier  compass is an early example of the W. & L. E. Gurley companies work. This company was formed in the 1850's and became the leading maker of surveying instruments in the USA. The Troy NY location is at the top above the North Fleur d' Lei  which means it dates from the 1880 or before. It is hand engraved as well. The needle is 5" and swings freely and locks as it should.

The box is nice with some minor rubs and chips at the edges. There are two labels inside the top. The previous owner carved his name and location in SC in the box lid. A Google search did not turn up any info on the owner, but he may have played a part in dividing up the state during the period just after the Civil War.

 One of the sight vane screws is a mix - match, but it the proper thread. If I did not mention it it would not be noticed. One of the sight vanes is edge graduated to allow for elevation sightings. There are small peep sights attached as well  The compass needs some minor restoration. On the top of the compass the vernier lock screw needs attention, and the vernier adjuster across from it needs to be attached w/ 2 small screws which are not present. The gears look OK, and the compass body moves freely as it should,  just the small screws are missing to hold the adjuster. The keeper or counter works and the needle lock and needle do as well. It appears one level vial has been replaced w/ later lined version.

All in all a nice example of a hard to find and early surveyors railroad compass. It will display very nicely in or out of the box and has a great patina and graphic look to it. In the past I have had and seen this model offered for far more and the price reflects the minor restoration that could be done

Good  . . . . . .$600.00 - 1200.00         SOLD!!

W. & L. E Gurley Surveyor's Plain Compass w/ 6' Needle  Gurley offered the plain compass for general survey work. There is a single vernier scale under the glass to mark off or read  angles. The Troy NY location is at the bottom below  the South point and dates this compass from pre 1880. There is not serial # and Gurley did not use serial numbers on their early instruments prior to 1908. It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact year of manufacture although the features and the label in the lid can be an indication of the general time period.

The needle is 6" making this the largest size compass Gurley offered. The needle swings freely and locks as it should. The sight vanes are present. The compass face is silvered and there is some spotting with one stained area at approx 2 o'clock that was cleaned to a point of some of  the silver coating is worn through there.The two level vials are full and OK.

The boxes exterior was refinished at some point. On the left side there is a long sliver of wood missing from the box. I have pictured this. There is a label inside the top that pictures the Gurley office building. There is a site that has a series of these labels pictured and assigns dates to them from when they appeared in different year catalogs.  The socket / knuckle joint that would be used to mount this to a staff or tripod is present. The sight vanes are proper, nice, and are edge marked. The swinging peep sights are present.  The mounting screws for the sight vanes are replacements as can be seen in one of the pics. The missing sight vane screws could be remade and the compass face re-silvered to make it even nicer, or this compass will display very nicely in or out of the box just as it sits.

Good  . . . . . .$600.00 - 1200.00         SOLD!!

W. & L. E Gurley Vernier Compass w/ 6' Needle  This Gurley single vernier compass is an early example of the Gurley firms work. The Troy NY location is at the top above the North Fleur d' Lei  and I believe dates this compass from pre 1880. Gurley did not use serial numbers on their early instruments and it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact year of manufacture. This compass could date from the Civil War era from its attributes. 

The compass face is silvered and hand engraved. The needle is 6" making this the largest size compass Gurley offered. The needle swings freely and locks as it should. The Brass cover is present and nice. Some minor restoration works need to be done to return this piece to its full glory. The Vernier adjuster & lock is missing from the left side. This would consist of a threaded rod running through a ball nut that would occupy the two holes on the left side above the vernier scale just outside the compass. On the right side there is a missing level vial.

The box is nice with some minor rubs and chips at the edges. The original owner has scratched his name into the top of the box.  It is not objectionable.  A Google search did not turn up any info on the owner, but he may have played a part in dividing up the state just after the Civil War from what the consignor has said. There is the remains of a label inside the top, but it has no legible writing on it. Inside the box is the socket joint that would have been used to mount this to a staff or tripod. The sight vanes are proper and nice, and are edge marked.

All in all a nice example of a hard to find early Gurley surveyors compass. It will display very nicely in or out of the box and has a great patina and graphic look to it. I have  seen this model compass offered for far more and the price reflects the minor restoration that could be done

Good  - . . . . . .$600.00 - 1200.00        SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Vernier Compass w/ 6' Needle  This single vernier Gurley compass has the Troy NY location at the bottom and I believe dates this compass from about 1880 or a bit later. Gurley did not use serial numbers on their early instruments and it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact year of manufacture.

The compass face is silvered and the needle is 6" making this the largest size compass Gurley offered. The needle swings freely and locks as it should.  On the right side there is a missing level vial. The box is nice with some minor rubs. There is a label inside the top with legible writing on it. Inside the box is the socket joint that would have been used to mount this to a staff or tripod. The sight vanes are proper and nice.

All in all a nice example of a Gurley surveyors compass. It will display very nicely in or out of the box and has a great patina and graphic look to it.

Good  . . . . . .$600.00 - 1200.00        SOLD!!

Phelps & Gurley Survey Compass  Jonas Phelps and William Gurley formed a partnership in 1845 to manufacture surveying instruments. That lasted approx. 5 years before Phelps sold out and Gurley started a new business with brother Lewis E. Gurley named w. & L. E. Gurley. They are quite hard to find.

The compass measures approx. 15 inches long. The needle swings to north and the lock operates. One level vial is full, and one dead. The tally keeper which is built into the frame works as does the variation adjuster. There is no box.  All in all a nice looking mid 19th century surveying instrument that will look nice on display.

Fine . . . . . . $995.00      SOLD!!

W. & L. E. Gurley Surveying Compass (Parts)   I will sell it all, or if you need specific parts seen ask. Cheapest as a whole. One sight vane bent and near broken.Good bubbles, several good screws. Individual pieces will be priced appropriately.    

Fair . . . . $195.00        SOLD!!

Gurley #316 & #318 Small Plain Compasses   Here are two different versions of small Gurley compasses in their original boxes. The compass on the left is unmarked as to maker, but the construction details and box are basically the same as the one on the right that is marked Gurley. The example on the left is missing its knuckle joint, but the compass is very nice as is the box.

The marked Gurley plain compass on the right is in nice original condition. It measures just about 4 1/2 " across. It is clearly marked on the compass face W. L. & E Gurley Troy NY. Also note in the pics the decorative engraving at the North Point. The needle is 3 1/2 " long making this the larger off the two examples of these they offered and a # 318. It comes in a nicely fitted Mahogany fitted box that is in nice condition.  This one does have the Knuckle joint fitting to adapt it to a staff for use in the field. 

Left . . . . . Good+ . . . . . .$200.00 - 300.00        SOLD!

Right . . . . Good+ . . . . . .$300.00 - 400.00          SOLD!

Gurley Miner's Compass / Dipping Needle  This small specialized Gurley Miner's Compass or Dip Needle is in super nice original condition. It is a well made and precision built compass to help miners or geologists locate ore deposits. Examples by Gurley are pretty unusual and this ones looks to date from near the turn of the century or before. There is a needle lock feature in the top stem and it all operates as it should. There is a set of instructions included that appear to be from the era this was made.

The basic idea was that the user after determining or knowing the normal magnetic deviation for the area,  would hold this close to the ground as he walked along. When the needle moved from its typical position that would indicate the probability of a ore deposit below.   The Gurley catalog from the 1880's also indicates this could be used horizontally as a regular compass if needed.

 The catalog write-ups I have read leave it about there as to usage and do not delve into whether or not the user can determine what type of ore deposit is below him. Others have made that claim with the "quack" gold locators sometimes seen where a compass like this is on the end of a stick and the secret gold finding material is in the handle. Good Luck with that.

An interesting Gurley piece in top condition for the mining display or surveying collection.

Excellent  . . . . . .$100.00 - 200.00       SOLD!!

Antique & Collectible
Gurley Levels

The

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

Gurley 18" Wye Level This early Gurley surveying instrument looks great and will display nicely. It has a nice even patina. The optics are OK, with an halo or something off across the top corner. Like a piece of flug inside. There are no crosshairs. The box is pretty nice as well.

Good . . . . . . $395.00        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 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

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