Fantastic Antique c1900 Brass W & L.E Gurley Surveyor Transit Instrument Compass

Description

W. & L. E. Gurley
Troy N.Y.
Surveyors Transit
This is a wonderful antique piece of surveyors equipment. For anyone who has never had the pleasure of examining one of these fine instruments, they are an absolutely stunning example of 19th century engineering and precision craftsmanship. Each and every part of this instrument was machined from solid brass with an unmatched level of fit and finish with fine adjustments that move every part with precision. Looking at copies of Gurley catalogs
I would estimate this
particular transit to have been made around 1900 plus or minus a couple of years. This transit stands 13 inches tall with a 5 3/4 inch diameter compass and a telescope that measures just under 12 inches when fully retracted. The makers name and all the fine graduations on the compass are easily readable, when level the compass needle always point straight north and the compass needle lock functions properly. All of the fine adjustment screws turn easily and function properly. All three leveling bubbles are intact and still filled. The optics inside the telescope are just incredible, there are focusing knobs that adjust the telescope on both ends and looking at a diagram there appears to be a total of what looks like 7 lenses inside! The image through the telescope has a few dirt specks but is surprising crisp and clear. The eye piece still has its working sliding shutter and the other end retains its original lens cap. The transit is complete with its wood carrying case that retains part of it broken and partially missing leather carrying strap. The compass and box both have very pleasing old look and feel with a visually attractive amount of wear and light yellow brown patina. When this was new it would have been one of the finest instruments you could buy with a base price of a Gurley transit starting at 0 in the year 1900 or nearly 00 in todays money, an astounding amount considering the average worker at the time was lucky to make a week!
Fantastic Instrument
If you have any questions please contact me.
Vintage steam engine,boiler, and burner in a dovetailed storage/traveling case. This was made by a talented craftsman and came from the estate of a local collector of model steam engines. The boiler is 7 1/4" by 3" in diameter. The case is 18" x 5" x8". The case is equipped with positive twist latches. I have not steamed this engine, although the engine, popoff valve, and whistle worked smoothly with air pressure.
Now, for the Fine print:
I'm not an expert on many of the items I sell on eBay.   I try to do a very good job of listing everything I sell in a very accurate manner to explain all the good and bad points with the pictures and in the description.  Please feel free to ask any and all questions, I will even answer questions that are already answered in the description although your intelligence may be questioned :)   I am 100% certain that no one NEEDS any of the items I sell to meet any basic needs of life.  With that said I am selling these items for the money and if you cannot pay, think you might not be able to pay, or do not want to pay please bid on items owned by someone else..  If you haven't caught on this is supposed to be mildly funny but yet serious at the same time.
I do not end auctions early—its not fair to the other bidders. Most of the items I sell come from estates and I sell them in “as found condition” – I leave any cleaning or “enhancement” to the buyer. Please check the pictures –they are probably the most important part of the description.
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Thank You for your interest.
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