769

W. & L. E. Gurley Builders Transit, NY - Troy,

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Western Americana Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,000.00 USD
W. & L. E. Gurley Builders Transit, NY - Troy,
IMPORTANT NOTE ON BUYERS PREMIUMS:

Lot 100 to 343 have a premium of 15%.

The rest of the sale is 19.5% as noted in the listing.

Lot Pick Up: Holabird-Kagin Americana,
3555 Airway Drive Ste #309,
Reno NV 89511,
Sunday - December 9, 10am-4pm
c1893 - This W. & L. E. Gurley Transit is a Builder`s model--as indicated by the lack of a compass for gaining bearing. Transits with compasses were used for surveying. This model of Builder`s transit was introduced in 1893. Dating this transit precisely is difficult; Gurley only began serializing transits and compasses in 1900. Therefore, the likely date of this particular surveying tool falls between 1893 and 1900. This model features two bubble-levels on the limb plate and a third, larger level under the 9" scope. This transit is in fine condition, save for light patina and oxidation along some of the part joints. Included in this lot is the original wooden case, 9.75" x 9" x 6.75", with sickle-shaped closures and a lock (key missing). The leather strap has broken, leaving behind only the 4.5" "tails" attached to either side of the case. The interior is lined in green felt and still includes the manufacturer`s card in the lid, which reads " Established 1845/ W. & L. E. Gurley/ Manufacturers of/ Civil Engineers`/ and/ Surveyors` Instruments/ Troy N. Y. USA.". Please note: The case and instrument possess a damp, musty smell although no mold is visibly apparent. William E. and Lewis E. Gurley, brothers, were born in Troy, New York; William in 1821and Lewis in 1826. In 1839, William graduated as a civil engineer from Rensselaer Institute. After going as far west as Michigan seeking employment as an engineer and finding none, he returned to Troy and went to work for five years as a foreman for Oscar Hanks, a surveying instrument maker. In 1845, William formed a partnership with Jonas Phelps under the firm name of Phelps & Gurley. In 1844, Lewis Gurley had become an apprentice to Jonas Phelps. Then from 1847 to 1851 Lewis Gurley attended the Union College in Schenectady and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In the fall of 1851 Lewis Gurley was admitted into partnership with his brother William Gurley and Jonas Phelps under the firm name of Phelps & Gurleys. In 1852 the Gurley brothers purchased Jonas Phelps` interest in the business and the firm became known as W. & L. E. Gurley. -61647