19th-century cased surveyor’s compass and tripod by W. &. L. E. Gurley. Silvered face engraved "W. & L. E. Gurley, Troy, New York" to the top and base along with the engraved cardinal points, E, E, S in block letters and a fleur de lis at the North and a needle ring calibrated 0-90 in four quadrants. Two sight levels are mounted at the top. Boxed items include the swivel mount, sights, mounting brackets, and other miscellaneous items. The case is possibly the original. The face measures 6 5/8" and the compass measures 15 1/2" L. The box measures 4 1/2" H x 10 1/2" W x 8 1/4" D. Tripod measures 57" H. Note: This equipment was used by William Henry Harrison Gaines, whose Civil War-era diary is in this sale as Lot 627. William was the son of John Strother Gaines whose portrait can be found as Lot 485.

Also included with the boxed compass and tripod are the following:

A B. K. Elliott Company, Pittsburgh, PA surveyor's measuring tape with a turned wood handle, patent date of May 24-92, 13" L x 5 1/2" dia.

19th c. surveyors' "Gunter" measuring chain, with "US" tag, and marker tags along incremental links. 

An assortment of 13 surveyors' instruments, compasses and joint dividers, a velvet-lined box, and whetstone in case. One instrument with a bone handle marked "Keuffel & Esser Co. NY."

1884 W. & L. E. Gurley surveying equipment catalog and price list, 331 pages with numerous illustrations of surveyors' tools.

A MANUAL OF LAND SURVEYING by F. Hodgman, 1902, with Gaines' signature on the front page, and "purchased of F. Hodgman in Nov., 1902."

A sample book of drawing papers produced by W. & L. E. Gurley, containing samples of card stock, tracing papers, and ruled paper.

A catalog by Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., titled "Astronomical, Engineering and other Instruments of Precision," 1907.

James W. Queen & Co. Catalogue of Mathematical and Engineering Instruments and Materials, Philadelphia, 1880. 210 pgs. 

A TREATISE ON SURVEYING by John Gummere, Philadelphia, 1846.

Two letters, the first from Gaines to his wife, 1889, and the second from a fellow surveyor asking for certain measurements, 1896, were sent to Gaines.

All pieces with expected wear are commensurate with age and use. Chain with handle detached. Gurley catalog missing front cover. Hodgman Manual with cover detached. Bausch & Lomb catalog missing pages, approx. 130 remain. Queen catalog, with a few pages missing, writing on covers and front pages. Treatise: cover and spine detached, some water toning to front and back.