This is just a sample of the many
surveying related antiques we have sold.
Click link to see other
Past Sales Archive Pages on this Site.
We Buy Quality Surveying Related Antiques
Contact Us at
AntiqBuyer@gmail.com
Special Note Concerning Prices Seen Below:
Most prices seen reflect actual sale results from this website.
Prices seen
span a long time and may not reflect current values. Some are selling
for more, many now sell for less.
On other pieces you will see no price, or a price range,
with or without an explanation. The reasons for that are discussed on the FAQ page.
Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.
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!!
Union
Instrument Co. Alidade & Compass in Leather Covered Box
A nice looking set-up where both the folding arm alidade and trough compass fit
into the leather covered box. These were used in the field w/ a plane table.
Nice!! Fine . . . . . . $85.00 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!!
Dietzgen
Abney / Hand Level Grade Finder These
are useful tools in the hands of a competent equipment operator for grading
and layout jobs. This is the upgraded version with a protractor
scale on the side. Like new condition. Fine . . . . . . . $40.00 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!!
D.
W. Brunton Pocket Transit / Compass This
Brunton Pocket Transit is in good operating and cosmetic condition. This pocket transit has not been cleaned or touched-up in any way. It comes in a
damaged plastic case.A history of Brunton and Ainsworth, including instruction on use can be found on line at the site / link https://oldtopographer.net/the-topographers-tools/brunton-pocket-transits/ A small snippet of Info from there is that Brunton the inventor contracted with Denver-based instrument maker William Ainsworth & Sons to produce the first pocket transits. Ainsworth remained the primary manufacturer of Brunton pocket transits until after WWII. In 1972 the Ainsworth company folded and the Brunton company was formed to continue production. Original Brunton compasses are still manufactured today in Riverton, Wyoming.
Good + . . . . . . $150.00 SOLD!!
D. W. Brunton Pocket Transit / Compass by Ainsworth
Brunton Pocket Transit, by W.M. Ainsworth & Sons, Denver Colorado, Made In
USA. This pocket transit is in good operating and cosmetic condition. The
serial number #43759. This pocket transit has not been cleaned or touched-up in any way. It comes in a
proper leather case that is OK but well used. A history of Brunton and Ainsworth, including instruction on use can be found on line at the site / link https://oldtopographer.net/the-topographers-tools/brunton-pocket-transits/ A small snippet of Info from there is that Brunton the inventor contracted with Denver-based instrument maker William Ainsworth & Sons to produce the first pocket transits. Ainsworth remained the primary manufacturer of Brunton pocket transits until after WWII. In 1972 the Ainsworth company folded and the Brunton company was formed to continue production. Original Brunton compasses are still manufactured today in Riverton, Wyoming.
Fine . . . . . . $150.00 SOLD!!
K & E / Keuffel & Esser Brunton Pocket Transit / Compass
A Brunton Pocket Transit / Compass instrument offered by K & E.
It is identical in operation and design. This pocket transit is
in good operating condition noting the mirror could be replaced. A history of Brunton and Ainsworth, including instruction on use can be found on line at the site / link https://oldtopographer.net/the-topographers-tools/brunton-pocket-transits/
Good + . . . . . . $75.00 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!!
K
& E - Keuffel & Esser Heliograph
This type of instrument is used for communication and for surveying long
lines or over long distances. Mirrors could be used to communicate or be
sighted on 20-30 miles out in the right conditions. The louvered piece could be set in front of the mirror
and the user could send Morse code utilizing the shutter set up. The pieces are marked. The wooden case hold all
seen. The outer leather case has bad seams. These are very hard to
find. No Tripods or base units. Good . . . . . $475.00 SOLD!!
Heliograph
These types of instruments were used for communication and for surveying
long lines or over long distances. Mirrors could be used to communicate
or be sighted on 20-30 miles out in the right conditions. The piece on the left
could be set in front of the mirror on the right and the user could send Morse
code utilizing the shutter set up. There were two mirrors in the event
you needed to direct the light from a different angle, you could use one to
catch then redirect the light. These are unmarked as to maker, in super
condition and probably English. Here is a link to Wikpedia where you can lean more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliograph
Excellent . . . . . .$650.00 SOLD!
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
K
& E #5334 Surveyors Compass This compass
is in very nice condition overall. The 2 level vials are dry but these are
easily replaceable and not a big concern. The ball joint is here, and the
mahogany box is original and has a great bubbly patina to the finish making it look
200 years older than it is. The needle is approx. 4" making this a #5334
Good+ . . . . .$195.00 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
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!!
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 . . . . . .$75.00 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!!
K
& E / Keuffel & Esser # 5093A High Post Alidade
This alidade is in excellent condition and saw little use. The serial
# is 172908 which would date it from the early 60's. It was bought
by the engineering department of a local community college and spent most of the
last 50 + years sitting on a shelf in a storage closet. The optics are crystal clear, and the image is inverted. Cross-hairs are present. The striding level is nice and all bubbles full. There is a spare bubble inside the box. It still has the original screwdriver, and even a K & E marked Loupe. It has a stadia arc on the side. The label inside the box says it is also equipped w/ a 4097-CG which the catalog calls off as a diaphragm. The small compass on the base is operational as is the level bubble on the base. The one apology would be the name of the college inscribed on the base in electric pen. It is otherwise in excellent condition.
Fine + . . . . .$350.00 SOLD!!
Lietz Surveyors Plane Table
This is a nice condition plane table that measures 24 x 30. The
original canvas carry case is marked with the last owners name. It is
otherwise very nice and ready for use. These were used in the field with
different style alidades when mapping or surveying and drawing at the same
time.Note: I do have alidades from the same era listed for sale on another page.
Fine . . . . .$225.00 SOLD!
Lietz Surveyors Plane Table
This plane table measures 24 x 30 and saw little actual use. There are
some minor scratches and scuffs on the face side. Also some tape
residue. The
finish is original. The first pic shows the underside with the 5/8
female mount for a Johnson Head tripod. The
table is marked Lietz above the disc. The canvas cloth case is marked with
the last owners name. It is
very nice and ready for use. There is one paper hold down missing, but
the rest are here. These were used in the field with
alidades when mapping or surveying and drawing at the same
time. Note: I do have alidades from the same era listed for sale on another page..
Fine . . . . .$350.00 SOLD!
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!!
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!
Improved
Willis Planimeter This unusual planimeter is in like new condition.
There are three patent dates from 1896 thru 1901 inside the box on the purple
cloth liner. The body is also marked w/ info. It was made by James Robertson & Sons of New York. Planimeters were used to compute volumes of different objects from drawings. This one has a wooden
ruler with several different scales. There are many write-ups with
detailed info to be found
on the internet for this model. Very Nice!!
Fine . . . . . $125.00 SOLD!!
Keuffel & Esser / K& E # 5368 - 1 Pocket Transit (after Brunton)
Fine. . . . .$195.00 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!!
This is just a sample of the many
antique & collectible surveying instruments we have sold.
Click link to see other
Sales Archive Pages on this Site.
We Buy Quality Surveying Related Antiques
Contact Us at
AntiqBuyer@gmail.com
Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.
This website is Copyrighted
Larry & Carole Meeker