Antique Surveying Tools

This is just a sample of the many surveying related antiques we have sold.
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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.

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J. Roach Surface Gauge I have no written or verbal provenance for this nice looking surface gauge, but the name is right, and it did come out of California.  It could well be the surface gauge that John Roach the early to mid 19th century surveying instrument maker from California used when producing fine scientific instruments when he was set up in San Francisco during the height of the gold rush days.  Note the fine detailing, and the elongated acorn finial top.  A super piece for the California history / surveying  or mining display. 

Excellent . . . . .$150.00      SOLD!

Keuffel & Esser / K & E 1913 Catalog   Nice!!

Good + . . . . . $75.00     SOLD!!

1895 Gurley Manual / Catalog  Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $100.00       SOLD!!

1883 Gurley Manual / Catalog  Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $225.00        SOLD!!

Keuffel & Esser / K & E 1901 Surveying Instruments Catalog   Surveying only.  Unusual.  Nice!!

LCM-KECAT-1901

Good + . . . . . $75.00       SOLD!!

Zeiss 1932 Telescope Catalog   Nice!!

Good + . . . . . $100.00         SOLD!!

Zeiss 1933 Field Glass / Binocular Catalog I see 31 on the back page and the illustrations and people inside look like from the 1930s and pre WWII.  There are 58 pages.  It measures 8 1/4” X 6”.  21 models of binoculars, monoculars, theater glasses, field glasses, and several types of telescopes. All models are fully described and pictured.  It gives a history of optics and field glasses and describes all of the Zeiss products.   Several pages of specifications.   Fine condition.Nice!!

Good + . . . . . $45.00       SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser Point of Sale Advertising Sign  Minty nice.  It measures approx. 12" square and 6" deep.  It lights up.  Damage free and I do not think it was ever used.   A bit different!!  The perfect gift for the K & E collector who has all the rest.

Fine . . . . . $125.00    SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser Point of Sale Advertising Display  Minty nice painted steel sign.  It measures bit over 3' long and 16" or so tall.  A bit different!!  The perfect gift for the K & E collector who has all the rest.

Fine . . . . . $50.00       SOLD!!

Theo. Alteneder & Sons 6" Copper Straight Edges Another odd piece!! The collector of these straight edge / rules had an affinity for, or relationship of some sort with the Theo. Alteneder & Sons company. He had a number of like new condition instruments, drafting sets, and rules from the company.

The three straight edges shown are identical.  They are blank save for the name.  I have never seen similar out and about and do not know the why or wherefores.  Minty nice. Interesting.

Fine . . . . . $37.50          SOLD!!

A. Lietz Co. San Francisco No. 1805 Beam Compass in Hard Leatherette Case  An interesting Beam Compass with ink, pencil points, and more. German made and dates from c. 1900. It is in great condition.

Fine . . . . . $35.00     SOLD!

Theo. Alteneder & Sons 6" Stainless Steel 10 Point Divider   A very nice example in the original box. The company opened in the 1850s and operated out of Philadelphia up till the 1970s. This style divider will create 10 equal spaces over a wide range. Useful in any number of trades or applications besides drafting.

Fine . . . . . $100.00         SOLD!!

Riefler No. A 64  Drafting Instrument Set A minty nice unused draftsmen / engineers drafting set in leatherette covered wood case inside a cloth slip case.  NOS.  Riefler is a well known and respected German maker of drafting tools. Complete and very nice set of draftsman drafting instruments / tools. None nicer.

Fine . . . . . $140.00        SOLD!!

Theo. Alteneder 10 Piece Drafting Instrument Set A 10 piece draftsmen / engineers drafting set in leatherette covered wood case. Complete and very nice set of draftsman / engineer drafting instruments / tools.

Fine . . . . . 80.00           SOLD!!

Wild Heerbrugg RZ-41 Swiss Drafting Set in Hard Case  A top of the line Post WWII drafting set by the famous Swiss instrument maker Wild in very nice condition. Compasses, pens, dividers and more. Looks complete.

Fine . . . . . $125.00     SOLD!

Theo. Alteneder 8 Piece Drafting Instrument Set An 8 piece draftsmen / engineers drafting set in leatherette covered wood  case. Complete and very nice set of draftsman drafting instruments / tools.

Fine . . . . . $65.00      SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser "Paragon" No. 624 1/2 RX Drafting Instrument Set in Leatherette Case  As nice as one could ask for. I count 12 pieces and it looks complete .

Fine . . . . . $85.00          SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser No. 510 Beam Compass in Hard Leatherette Case  An precision Beam Compass with ink, pencil points, and more. It has a micro adjust feature. German made and dates from c. 1900. It is in great condition.

Fine . . . . . $40.00          SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser No. 1160 Both's Patent Section Liner These do not turn up very often.  In as nice condition as one could ask for.

Fine . . . . . $295.00          SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser Paragon No. 1577 Flat Scales 12 different boxwood scales for architects or engineers.  They are stand alone rules with beveled edges. They are not for use in a drafting machine or arm.

Minty nice in original box. Appear to be unused. You never see complete sets like this.

Fine . . . . . $395.00          SOLD!!

Stanley Drafting Instrument Set in 2 Tier Wood Case  Super piece!! Be sure to see all the pics. The logo in the lid says "To H. M. Government" in addition to Stanley, the maker, and Great Turnstile Holborn London, the location. A fine and complete drafting / Architects drafting set in a two tiered box.

In the top are a beam compass, a set of proportional dividers, some ivory handled ink tools, dividers, compasses and much more.

In addition to all the drawing instruments seen in the top tray there are 3 ivory rules and 1 Boxwood scale rule, 3 Rosewood squares, a brass rolling ruler stored in the bottom of the box. A truly spectacular antique technical drafting set in super condition.

Fine . . . . . $995.00          SOLD!!

Stanley Drafting Instrument Set in 2 Tier Rosewood Case  Super piece!! Be sure to see all the pics. The logo in the lid says Stanley, Great Turnstile London W. C.. A fine and complete Engineer's Drafting Instrument / Architects Drafting Tool set in a two tiered box.

In the top are several ivory handled ink tools, an assortment of different dividers, bow compasses and more.

In addition to all the drawing instruments seen in the top tray there are additional tools stored in the bottom of the box. These include an Ivory sector, protractor, and parallel rule and 3 additional ivory scales that taken together make this a very special and unusual set. Another truly spectacular technical drafting set in super condition.

Fine . . . . . $795.00          SOLD!!

Stanley 13 Piece Drafting Instrument Set in Wood Case  The logo in the lid says Stanley, London W. C.. A fine and complete Engineer's Drafting Instrument / Architects Drafting Tool set.

There are two ivory handled ink tools, an assortment of different style and type dividers, 3 bow compasses and more.

Fine . . . . . $195.00          SOLD!!

Jackson Bros Ltd. Leeds and Armley Drafting Set A very nice small set of English made draftsman drafting instruments / tools.

Fine . . . . . $75.00          SOLD!!

Riefler No. A 60 Drafting Instrument Set A super nice condition draftsmen / engineers drafting set in leatherette covered wood case by Riefler the well known and respected German maker. It is also marked with another, what looks to be a personalized name, Herman Freytag - Stutgart on the bottom right corner.  Complete and very nice set of draftsman drafting instruments / tools.

Fine . . . . . $125.00          SOLD!!

Riefler No. A 61 Drafting Instrument Set A super nice condition draftsmen / engineers drafting set in leatherette covered wood case by Riefler the well known and respected German maker. Many of the pieces still have wrapers on them.

It is also marked with another, what looks to be a personalized name, Herman Freytag - Stutgart on the bottom right outside corner.  Complete and very nice set of draftsman drafting instruments / tools.

Fine . . . . . $150.00          SOLD!!

Riefler No 39 s Drafting Dotting Instrument Set  Like new condition Dotting Set by. Reifler the top notch German maker of Drafting Tools.  It is set up to be used with a beam rod if called for or has a handle for straight lines. It has 6 different wheels for different patterns. Very hard to find.

Fine . . . . . $275.00          SOLD!!

Kern Swiss Drafting Set in Hard Case  A top of the line Post WWII drafting set by the famous Swiss instrument maker Kern in very nice condition.  This set has the very unusual addition of a much desired dotting tool as well as the normal compliment of compasses, pens, dividers and more. Super nice!!

Fine . . . . . $275.00          SOLD!!

Dait / Tokyo Drafting Instrument Set in Hard Case  A Pre WWII drafting set by little known Japanese maker Dait in very nice condition. It is very similar to the Tamaya set listed above. This set also has the unusual addition of a much desired dotting tool, a set of proportional dividers, and a beam compass as well as the normal compliment of compasses, pens, dividers and more. Super nice!!

Fine . . . . . $395.00          SOLD!!

Kent Drawing / Drafting Instrument Set in Hard Case  Kent was a well known long established English maker. They must have contracted out some of their products as this drafting / drawing set is almost for sure Japanese made. A very nice set!!

Fine . . . . . $195.00          SOLD!!

Dietzgen "Gem Union" No. 1007 CD Drafting Set in Hard Leatherette Case  As nice as one could ask for. According to the Dietzgen Catalog the Gem Union grade of drafting instruments was their highest quality offering. It looks complete and I count 14 or so pieces.

Fine . . . . . $80.00          SOLD!!

Dietzgen "Reliance" No. 1067 RC Drafting Set in Hard Leatherette Case  As nice as one could ask for. According to the Dietzgen Catalog the Reliance grade of instruments was a lower grade than their best, but far better than all the other brands. It looks complete and I count 11 pieces.

Fine . . . . . $50.00          SOLD!!

Tamaya & Co. Ginza Tokyo Drafting Instrument Set in Hard Case  A top of the line Pre WWII drafting set by the famous Japanese instrument maker Tamaya in very nice condition.

This set has the unusual addition of a much desired dotting tool, a set of proportional dividers, and a beam compass as well as the normal compliment of compasses, pens, dividers and more. Super nice!!

Fine . . . . . $395.00       SOLD!!

Hughs Owens No. 1078 Drafting Instrument Set w/ Outer Slip Case An 18 piece draftsmen / engineers drafting set in leatherette covered case. Complete and very nice set of draftsman drafting instruments / tools. Minty nice!!

Fine . . . . . $100.00          SOLD!!

Stanley Engine Divided Architects / Engineers Scales / Rules in Case  An extraordinary set of Antique Ivory Stanley Engineers / Architect / Drafting scales / rules in their original box. There are 9 full size Engineers scales and 10 of the smaller offset rules.

All are near mint with out bends, warping, or other damage. Each is marked Stanley's Engine Divided & Great Turnstile Holborn London. Nice!

Fine . . . . . $1250.00           SOLD!!

Stanley / London 6" Ivory Protractor / Scale / Rule  A very nice example. Sellers typically call these off as an navigation tool, and many are found in cased Maritime / Navigation sets, or as an architect scale / rule. This rule is marked Stanley / London the famous English maker. It is configured similar to a Architects Rule with numerous scales and a protractor on the perimeter. Rules like this are usually found in boxed drafting sets, or traveling Shagreen cases associated with navigation or architects. The overall condition is very nice.

Fine . . . . . $120.00         SOLD!!

Four 6" Bone Architect Scales / Rules / Rulers  In Fitted Leatherette Case marked Peter Colquhoun L. U. C. S. 1893 These 6" bone architect / engineer scale rules are very nice. I could find no info on who Peter was, or what L. U. C. S. stands for.

Fine . . . . . $395.00      SOLD!!

F. McC. No. 1 Architects / Engineers Scales / Rules in Case  A very nice drafting scale / ruler set in the original box. I believe these Engineers scales are Bamboo and not Boxwood. They are probably pre WWII.

In addition to the 5 full size scales, there are 5 small offset rules as well. The edges are clean and not dinged or dented. They saw little if any use before being added to the collection. Very Nice!

Fine . . . . . $225.00       SOLD!!

8 Dietzgen Boxwood Drafting Scale Rules in Wood Case   Overall nice condition noting a chip in the 1/2 inch - 1' Scale.  Fourth from bottom on the left side.  A very rare & unusual set of drafting rulers. 

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

American Paulin Altimeter - Micro Model M-2 Surveying Altimeter 2 - 10,000 Feet  Minty nice condition.  It appears to have seen little if any use.

Fine  . . . . . . $185.00       SOLD!!

Kent Drafting Instrument Set in Leatherette Covered Wooden Case  Some pieces with bone handles.  Compasses, dividers, and more.  Looks to be complete.  Super condition!! 

Fine . . . . . $150.00       SOLD!!

Japanese Tamaya & Co. Drafting Instrument Set in Leatherette Covered Wooden Case  The Japanese made some of the finest high quality drafting sets ever created.  Many of the major surveying supply houses carried and sold them as their top of the line offerings.  Many pieces in this set have bone handles.  Compasses dividers, trammels and more.  Even a set of proportional dividers.    Looks to be nearly complete.  Super condition!!

 

Fine . . . . . $250.00       SOLD!!

"Super" Drafting Set   NOS Like new.  Very Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $225.00     SOLD!!

Japanese Drafting Instrument Set in Leatherette Covered Wooden Case  The Japanese made some of the finest high quality drafting sets ever created.  Many of the major surveying supply houses carried and sold them as their top of the line offerings.  Many pieces in this set have bone handles.  Compasses dividers, trammels and more.  Even a set of proportional dividers.  Looks to be complete.  This set is not marked as to maker it is otherwise near identical to the one above.    Super condition!!

Fine . . . . . $275.00        SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser 10" Paragon Proportional Dividers These are in like new condition and are housed in their hard case. The points are good. There is one set of scales. It has the preferable rack & pinion design favored by todays users. Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $125.00      SOLD!!

Keuffel & Esser / K & E 1217 Circular 10" Protractor   This 10" Circular Protractor is marked with the K & E name but no number.  It looks to date from near the turn of the century and probably WWI era.  It is an upgraded model w/ tangent screw.  It is in overall nice condition!!

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

Articulated Magnifier for Surveying Instrument  This little magnifying glass with jointed arm came with the Buff Mining Transit I have listed elsewhere.  It was attached with a string for use when reading the vernier scales.  There was no place it would properly fit.  I have seen similar mounted on other instruments.   Kind of a rare little thing.

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

K & E / Keuffel & Esser 10" Paragon Proportional Dividers   These are a well made set with the mechanical gear driven rack & pinion adjuster.  They will make for a good user at  fraction of the price of new ones.

Good + . . . . .$150.00     SOLD!

8" Right Angle Proportional Dividers  These 8" dividers are unmarked but look to date from the early 1900's and are a quality product.  They have the upgraded rack & pinion adjustment feature.   I have never had a set with the tips at right angles like this before.   There is some minor rust on the point.  Different & Nice.

Fine . . . . .$75.00    SOLD!!

Dietzgen Drafting Instrument Set in Wooden Case   Large and complex set with pieces I have not seen before in drafting sets. There is a section liner, a dotting set, a wooden rod with wheels I do not know what to call, and an interesting compass that folds to be pocket size. Very Nice!!

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

J. Hale Patent 1885 Surveying Instrument / Circumferentor    John Hale was from Scranton PA., the heart of coal mining country on the east coast in the late 19th century.  Mr. Hale had a better idea for conducting surveys in mining related situations, and was granted a patent in 1885 for that idea.  The patent # is 313,494 and it was granted on March 10th 1885. He simply called it a "Surveying Instrument". This form of instrument is commonly referred to as a semi circumferentor and can be used in the place of a typical magnetic compass in certain situations where a magnetic instrument would not be as accurate. It took me a while to find the patent the first time as it looks like he mis-stamped this with a 6 and then corrected it, or his stamp was worn out, or??. This piece is stamped #25 in several places, and the 5 in that number is crystal clear, but the 5 or 6 in the patent info is not as clear and so we have a bit of a mystery here. I believe that is the serial number, but may be an assembly number.

All of that aside, this is a great looking and very interesting surveying instrument.  Hale correctly identified the problem associated with conducting surveys using standard magnetic compasses in areas where large ore deposits would affect the results using a magnetic compass.  He invented and produced this wonderful looking piece to be used in those areas whit large ore deposits, and also claimed this was an instrument that could be offered at reduced cost and was less complex than other instruments in use.  .

This example is almost an exact copy of the patent drawing illustration with the exception of lengthening the sight vane arm and an added level vial (original & good) attached to this lengthened arm that is not shown in the patent drawing or discussed in the patent itself. The semi circle is approx 11" across and the sight vane arm measures a bit over 12"

Note that the knuckle joint is present, and is also stamped with the #25.   Mr. Hale must have been making these one at a time to require each piece to be stamped with a number. There is no box.

Excellent . . . . . . .$1250.00      SOLD!!

Wayweiser / Waywiser This is a early form of measuring device used by surveyors, map makers, cartographers, city planers, engineers and the like.  They are an early design and when researching them on the internet the first thing you read about is Ben Franklin having and using one.  

The idea here is that there is a clockwork type mechanism that works off the wheel rotating and records the distance.  This one has three ranges I can see.  Yards, furlongs and miles.  The counter is original, and the top lid is a well done replacement that allows the entire geared works inside to be viewed.  I do not see any makers marks on the machine itself or the handles. 

It could be French or English, and probably dates from the early 19th century.  The wheel construction and spokes look very early.  A rare and desirable piece of survey related memorabilia that will display very nicely.

Good . . . . . .$495.00        SOLD!

Wooden Boxed Architect's / Draftsman's Drafting Set  Early drafting sets in wooden boxes have pretty much disappeared from the marketplace and are very hard to find.   I can remember buying and selling many smaller sets in wooden boxes 20 or so years ago, and then they just disappeared almost overnight.  In all of the time I have bought and sold antique tools I have seen, but never had a set as large or nice as this. 

The Mahogany box  is approx 16" x 7 x 4" and  is in super condition w/ original finish.  The inside is covered in padded green felt, and the makers name is still in the corner on the ribbon you see.  The top lid folds out, and the tray pulls up to reveal additional storage underneath.  The plaque on top is dated 1901 with the owners name.  The tools are all  in nice condition. It has a geared proportional divider that is very nice.  There are also a set of trammels.  There is also a ivory (faux?) sector that was under the tray.   It seems complete except for one oval hole in the top right which could have held a magnifier, or a glass cup for points or lead.   The pieces are marked and all appear to be original and not married up.

Good+  . . . . . . .$450.00  SOLD!

Anton Schneider Draftsman / Engineer's Drafting Set  This drafting set is massive and in near mint condition. The mahogany wooden box measures 18" across the front.  Included is a beam compass, rolling ruler / section liner, proportional dividers, line counters in both corners, ink tools, dividers, compasses, numerous auxiliary tips, and more.  The top of the box has a removable plaque with a lucky fellows name on it.  It will easily come off if desired and / or can be changed out. Very nice!!

Fine  . . . . . $295.00         SOLD!!








1859 Gordon's Patent Goniometer / Protractor  This early patented measuring and layout device was designed for use by surveyors, map makers, cartographers, city planers, engineers, architects and the like to aid in their work.. Charles Gordon of Washington DC was the the inventor and patentee. The name and patent info is engraved into the bottom leg of the brass triangle. It seems in the application he called it a Goniometer, and in the description refers to it as an improved protractor. I suppose it serves both uses and a few others as well. The patent was granted on March 29 1859 and the number is 23,365. This unusual device incorporate several different known tools to create a "new improved" and unique tool for use in the trades mentioned earlier. The patent, and the drawings can be found putting that number into Google Patent Search.

The idea incorporates a heavy brass 45 degree triangular base acting as the base and meridian and allows the user to find and keep his bearings on a map or drawing, Attached just above the heavy triangular base is a finely engraved silver protractor capable of swinging up to 90 in either direction when it bottoms out against the vertical riser. Above that and attached to the protractor is a silvered parallel rule w/ 7 1/2 inch arms that can be used at any time to draw parallel lines or extend an angle out. Both the arm of the rule, and the protractor are marked with a tiny # 6 which may be either an assembly # or a serial # of sorts. Mr. Gordon's description goes on to say this device will be found to be near indispensible in use when drawing surveys and plots and all manner of other uses.

The tool is housed in a fitted sharkskin covered wooden box.. Overall the box is nice, and has a great shape. There has been some losses to the sharkskin covering as one would expect.

Excellent . . . . . . .$1500.00     SOLD

Keuffel & Esser #4236 Planimeter   This Planimeter is in very nice condition.  Used to figure out the volume or area measurements of very large objects that are drawn to scale.  A calculator of sorts from the era when engineers, draftsmen and the like were still standing over a drafting table instead of in front of their computer.

Excellent . . . . . . .$75.00      SOLD

Antique Drafting Set This drafting set is very nice and complete w/ an ivory architects rule as well as the flat ivory sector.

Good+ . . . . . . .$795.00     SOLD

Gurley Aluminum Field Scale This scale was made of aluminum to keep the weight down to allow it to be used in the field or other places where it might have to be carried over long distances.  It is an unusual choice of material for this type of scale.  The condition is like new.

Good+ . . . . . . .$350.00    SOLD

Buff & Berger of Boston Anemometer This finely made c 1900 or before precision instrument by the well known maker Buff & Berger of surveying related instruments is in super condition as is the well constructed dovetailed Mahogany box that it is in.  This partnership was begun in the 1870's and was disbanded near the turn of the Century when both parties went off on their own to start new firms.  These devices were used to measure the wind velocity in tunnels & shafts and the on/off feature on this operates correctly and has a long cord attached to it leading one to believe that this instrument was held overhead on a pole or mounted up high, or lowered into the shaft, or something similar when taking the measurement with it.  I can not find a reset feature as on later models of these devices.  The bronzed anodized finish is great and inside the lid of the box the label is present along with the info that this once belonged to the Minneapolis  Mill Co.

Excellent . . . . . . .$295.00     SOLD

Marine Navigation Tool / Octant / Sextant  This is English in a box with an American label on it.  That would be typical as many of these were imported and sold by distributers here in the US. Note the stepped top box which I believe is an indication of it being early. Also note the early repair to the box lid. The body of the octant is made of ebony and the wear strips ivory or bone. It is marked across the arch with the maker and location. A nice piece.

Good+ . . . . . . .$750.00       SOLD

Early Cased Architect's / Draftsman's Drafting Set   These early drafting sets in wooden boxes have pretty much disappeared from the marketplace over the last 15 years or so.  I can remember buying and selling dozens, and seeing more at all the tool shows we use to attend, and then they just disappeared as if overnight.  This nice looking set is approx 10" x 6" and is in a leatherette covered Mahogany box.  The box is in nice condition and the original keys are present to operate the lock.  Inside it seems complete except for one hole for a tip for the compass or divider.  None of the pieces seem to be marked, but they are a high quality and the Ivory handles on some are a nice touch as well.  There is a tear in the top fabric from pulling this down where additional rules or layout tools could be stored.  Under the tray is another compartment as well for additional storage

Excellent . . . . . . .$275.00    SOLD

K & E 10" Proportional Dividers in Case  This 10" set of rack & pinion adjustable proportional dividers by Keuffel & Esser date from near the turn of the century.  They are in like new near perfect condition.    The box is marked and nice.   Nice!

Fine . . . . .$145.00    SOLD!

Dietzgen Dotting Set w/ 6 Wheels  The catalog I have from 1915v show this device with just 3 wheels and the price was almost $5.00.  A lot of money for something like this back then.  It is marked Dietzgen and Germany on the body on one side, and Gem Union with the Dietzgen Logo on the other..  The condition is like new.  An interesting device.

Fine . . . . . .$`175.00       SOLD!!

Negretti and Zambra Pocket Sextant The English instrument seems to be in nice condition.  It dates from near the turn of the century.  The leather case has seen better days and is falling apart.  The inner brass case unscrews and screws back on as a cover.  All motions operate.  The mirror is OK.  There are two dark lenses inside that swivel into place.  The scales are silvered and there is a magnifier to help read them.  Nice!!

Good +. . . . .$175.00      SOLD!!

Heath & Co. Crayford London Sextant This Heath & Co. Crayford London Sextant is in its original box and seems complete w/ several different scopes. All mirrors and filter shades are good. The scales are good. A nice Genuine Maritime / nautical display piece.

Fine . . . . . . . $375.00        SOLD!!

Abrams Universal Sun Compass The Abrams Universal Sun Compass was designed to be used in vehicles during WWII to allow the driver to figure out where he was headed. Abrams Co. was contracted by the U.S. Military to build a device that allowed users to determine the compass bearing when magnetic variation was too high to reliably use a magnetic compass. A simple solar compass.

The device mounts on a vehicle and as long as one knows the correct time the vehicles course can be determined by the shadow cast onto the plate or dial. I imagine that the sun had to be out as well.

Includes black back disc, 360 degree outer edge with time plate. Complete with copy of original literature in wooden box. A piece of WWII American Military history. It weighs approx. 7.6 lbs. and the dimensions are 10" x 10" 2.75"

Fine . . . . . $250.00       SOLD!!

Circle Frame Sextant / Octant / Quadrant w/ Several Scopes   This interesting maritime or nautical piece dates from near the turn of the century.  It is housed in a close fitting Mahogany box that is in nice condition.  I am not sure if the proper term is Sextant, Quadrant or Octant.  The label inside the top indicates that it is a sextant, and that it was calibrated, or certified by the National Physical Laboratory back near the turn of the century.  I believe it is English, but I see no maker ID anywhere.  Note the swinging magnifier over the outer scale when viewing all the pics.  All in all a nice condition piece of Maritime history that will display even better w/ a lite cleaning.

Good + . . . . .$195.00       SOLD!!

Stanley / London Pocket Box Sextant An English prismatic style pocket sextant from the WWI era. The instrument is marked 1919, and the leather case 1914 as well as another name. After taking the protective cover off you can utilize the different functions and lenses to figure out where you are at in the world.

It is in good used condition. It includes the leather case.  These pocket sextants have been reproduced, and new versions are currently being offered too. This is neither of those and is a genuine vintage item dating from the early 1900s.

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

Theo. Alteneder & Sons Circular Protractor The condition of the box and instrument are both about as nice as one could ask for.

Fine . . . . . $165.00

Theo. Alteneder & Sons Micro-Rule  The collector had an affinity for, or relationship of some sort with the Theo. Alteneder & Sons company. He had a number of like new condition instruments, drafting sets, and rules from the company. This odd stainless micro adjustable rule carries a patent number. It is in fine condition and comes in the original box. An unusual rule for precision work.

Fine . . . . . $85.00        SOLD!!

W. F. Stanley & Co. Ltd. / London Allbrit No. 1 Integrator W F Stanley produced a family of Planimeters, Integrators and related instruments of which this example, a No. 1 Integrator was a member. The instruments in this family were very expensive, and more specialized than typical Planimeter, and so were made in much smaller quantities.

The serial # of this example is 158. What is present looks complete and is in fine condition. Illustrations show it being used with a rail, and I read they came in a separate box and it is typical that they got separated.

They were described and illustrated in the firm’s 1958 catalogue which the info below came from. The info on use and features is from a site online www.mathsinstruments.me.uk/page100.html That I found to be helpful.  There is little other info out there on these unusual devices.

The No. 1 is the simplest of these instruments. Like all the integrators it was made in inch and metric versions. It could determine the area, static moment and center of gravity of plane figures, and volumes of solids of revolution. Looking at the figures you will see that is consists of a rail along which a counter-weighted carriage runs. The rail is aligned with the center line of the figure to be traced using the projecting arms with pins at their ends. The figure was then traced in a similar manner to that used with a Planimeter. At the forward end of the carriage the Planimeter like, integrating wheel and graduated cylinder & disc can be seen On the opposite side of the carriage is the mechanism for providing the first (static) moment of area. In 1958 it cost £189 – 4s (£189.20p). A typical application would be determination of the stability of ship’s hull form (which depends on the vertical separation of the center of gravity below the center of buoyancy).

Fine. . . . . $695.00     SOLD!!

K & E / Keuffel & Esser Leroy Lettering Set This looks complete w/ no empty holes. A scratch in the lid, otherwise in about as nice condition as one could ask for.

Fine . . . . . $110.00       SOLD!!

19th Century English Drafting Set in Sharkskin / Shagreen Case   This is about as nice as they come.  The pieces all fit together, and the ivory sector is very nice.  The parallel rule is ebony.  The outer sharkskin case is very nice, and the closing latch is still operable.  Check all the pics to see what is included.  Special!!

Fine . . . . . .$495.00       SOLD!

W. & L. E. Gurley No. 545 Folding Rod Level  Nice condition.  Solid brass with stipple finish.  Early model patented in 1885.  Later versions were much more cheaply made.  A very nice piece.

Good + . . . . . $95.00          SOLD!!

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