Larry & Carole Meeker selling on
Larry & Carole Meeker
selling on as
* * *TheAntiqueMerchant* * *
presents
Antique / Vintage / Collectible Surveying Instrument
Gurley Solar Compass w/ Auxiliary Scope, Original Box & Tripod
Click on any image to enlarge! Please be patient while they download.
Click on any image to enlarge! Please be patient while they download.
Description: This sale is for theGurley Solar Compass w/ Auxiliary Scope, Original Box & Tripod pictured above. The original condition is exceptional, being the most complete and finest condition solar instrument we have ever handled or seen.The original green oxidized finish on the compass itself is 95% or better with most wear at the points on the plate where it is held in the box. This rare & unusual Gurley Solar Compass w/ auxiliary scope has a graphic and commanding look that will be the highlight of any surveying or other antique collection. This Gurley solar compass is marked under the glass of the small directional compass w/ needle with the W. L. & E Gurley name and Troy. New York location. It is hard to determine the exact date that this and most other early Gurley instruments were manufactured. The label inside the lid of the box most closely resembles those from the 1870\'s, and that is when I believe this instrument dates from. Solar compasses are among the rarest and most desirable of all antique American surveying instruments that can be found. These unusual instruments were first developed in the early to mid 19th century and were used to survey and lay out much of the western areas of the US because of their ability to use the suns location & horizon to determine the exact location. This was important in areas where standard compasses would be adversely affected by the high levels of ore deposits and the magnetic deviations caused by them found here. There are two different means provided to attach the instrument to the original stiff leg tripod, (see pic 5982). The tripod itself is not pictured. The separate leveling base has a holder built for it on the side. The second tripod mount has 2 fitted spaces built into the bottom of the box. Additional accessories include those shown in pic 5987. These include the counterweight, used when the auxiliary scope is mounted. It would mount in the second sight vanes place. A jointed magnifier, an aux eyepiece, the adjusting bar, and other fitted pieces found in the box. Please be sure to view all the pics to see all that is included. The tripod mount is the old style male 1 1/2 x 12 TPI center mount. The inside dia. of the mounting plate is 3 7/16. One leg of the tripod has an early tape and string wrapped repair. It looks as though a whole new leg end has been spliced onto the original leg. This is stable and just adds to the character of the piece. The mahogany box is proper and its condition is very nice noting the missing lock. The box is fitted to hold the compass with its sight vanes attached. The scope is housed in a special compartment in the lid of the box. It has its own door. It is designed to be used instead of the sight vanes for more precise and long distance work. Other and later examples have an auxillary scope that attaches to one sight vane. All motions are free and turn properly. An historically important and beautiful piece of antique surveying equipment that is highly recommended!! This solar compass is a super piece of early Americana the will display nicely and be the highlight of most any collection. Please look at all the pics to see the details and condition. Each picture above is a Thumbnail that can be clicked to see the full size image. What you see is what you get. Please be sure to look at our other listings in coming days for other antique and vintage collectibles that we are selling. Many other antiques can be found on our website, a link to that can be found on the ME page.
Thanks. Enjoy and Good Luck!!
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Shipping Info & Terms
Shipping:$150.00 US SHIPPING!!
International Buyers: International buyers are welcome, and encouraged to offer. Please use \'s Shipping Calculator for an estimate. I ship at the cheapest cost possible. If it is less than my quote I will refund. It may be more. I charge what the PO charges me and add a small amount to cover packing and material.
Payment:As per \'s edict, PayPal is the preferred method. There are alternatives. Contact us directly.
Prior Sale:All items are subject to prior sale as they may be listed for sale and sold in other venues.
Sales Tax: California residents please add 8.5 % sales tax to all purchases or supply a tax-exempt number.
Our Credentials / Returns: offer with confidence. Our descriptions and our photos are never designed to misrepresent or over-embellish our merchandise. Your satisfaction is guaranteed on all items we sell. We offer a money-back refund minus shipping and handling if you are not satisfied. Notify us within 72 hours of receipt, and simply return the same item, in the same condition as shipped, within 14 days for a refund.
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