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www.Patented-Antiques.com selling on as TheAntiqueMerchant
Larry & Carole Meeker
Antiques of a Mechanical Nature
selling on & the Internet as
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presents
Genuine Antique
Vintage Collectible & User
Surveying & Engineering ToolsW. & L. E. Gurley
Aluminum Solar Compass
c. 1904 Surveyor / Surveying Instrument
Description:This sale is for the W. & L. E. GurleyAluminum Solar Compass pictured. The Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass is amongst the rarest of the rare, and most desirable and sought after of all antique surveying instruments. The overall condition of this Aluminum Solar Compass is very nice. Gurley made an aluminum version of their solar compass for just a few years starting in the 1890s and only a handful are known to exist or thought to have been produced. Gurleys use of Aluminum during this time period was very unusual as Aluminum was a relatively new material whose characteristics had not been fully developed, understood, or perfected. Aluminum from this period was very brittle and prone to crack. The finished compass, while much lighter than one made of brass, is also much more fragile. I went inside this compass looking for dates or maker info. It is marked May 04. There are other marks as well, but I can not make them out. A code of sorts. There were some other marks and scratches inside, but they appeared to be reference marks related to assembly. Inside the original fitted box, in the top compartment, are fittings to hold an auxiliary scope. The Gurley auxiliary scope with circular vernier scale that is presently fitted on the sight vane does not fit in the lid compartment. While the scope is by Gurley, and the proper type from the correct era, the box can not accommodate the circular vernier scale this scope has. The current scope was added later and so some of the many pics below show it without. It is offered as part of the unit now, and included in the price. All motions and adjustments turn freely. There is an original counterweight attached to one sight vane that also has a place on the display board and in the box. The aluminum sight vanes fit perfectly. Both level vials are good. The trough compass works properly. This Gurley Aluminum Solar Compass is truly an amazing and historically important instrument that will fit into many different collections. A rare opportunity. Pics tell the rest of the story. Please look at all the pics to see the details and condition. What you see is what you get. offer it to own it!! Please be sure to view our other sales on for similar antiques and collectibles. Google our name Patented-Antiques.com to visit our webpage and see even more antique, collectible, and user tools.
Thanks. Enjoy and Good Luck!!
Shipping Info & Terms
Shipping: US SHIPPING $125.00Prior Sale: All items are subject to prior sale as they may be listed for sale and sold elsewhere.Our Credentials: We are full time antique dealers who have been at this for over 30 years. offer or buy with confidence. Our descriptions and photos are never designed to misrepresent or over-embellish our merchandise. To see and learn more about us search or Google our name.Returns: We offer a money-back refund with return shipping paid by buyer if you are not satisfied. Notify us within 48 hours of receipt, and simply return the same item, in the same condition as shipped for a refund.
