I??ve been trying to get a collection going for some time without a bunch of luck. I was up at a friends shop on Saturday and saw an old Philadelphia rod and asked what he was doing with that. Long story short, it was his grandfather??s and he the showed me a Gurley dumpy level (1964) and a Berger and sons transit (mid 60??s) and a no name tripod probably about the same age. He??s willing to sell and I??d like to have them. I??d like to offer a fair price for the bundle. I??ve looked at eBay and it??s all over the place with prices. Any help or insight would be appreciated.
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If I saw them for sale locally I would offer $100-200 for the dumpy level ($200 if all the bubbles intact and the crosshairs visible.?ÿ Maybe $300 or $400 for the transit and another $100 for the tripod.?ÿ I think the tripods are getting harder to find so that value may be a little higher.?ÿ The older transits are fairly available out there.?ÿ You might look at the sold prices vs the for sale prices on ebay for comparison.?ÿ I am not an expert so others may know more about the rarity or abundance of these models.?ÿ?ÿ
Is there a sentimental value for the instruments to your friend, or were they forgotten in the barn until you noticed them??ÿ Ask him what he'll take for the lot.?ÿ If he says, "make me an offer", start at $500 (a reasonable price for office decorations) and haggle from there.?ÿ Good luck.
Dumpy level, tripod, Astron. I would start at $275... no more. These are not highly collectable instruments. BTW, before you do the deal, make sure the transit fits the tripod. On the Astron, there should be an extra eyepiece for inclined sights. Plus, check level bubbles, levelers, upper and lower motions, focus and crosshairs. Does needle go to north when released? Complete with sunshade and lens cover? Is the plumb bob chain and hook present? There's plenty of things to consider and check out. More than I mentioned.
Good luck.
As a PS, when looking at eBay, check on the "sold" prices, not what dreamers are asking for. And when you negotiate, as buyer, you can hardly ever go lower, just higher. Don't "start" at $500. IMHOTI
They were his Grandfather's but I don't get the impression that he is too sentimental about them
... before you do the deal, make sure the transit fits the tripod. On the Astron, there should be an extra eyepiece for inclined sights. Plus, check level bubbles, levelers, upper and lower motions, focus and crosshairs. Does needle go to north when released? Complete with sunshade and lens cover? Is the plumb bob chain and hook present? There's plenty of things to consider and check out. More than I mentioned.
Good luck.
As a PS, when looking at eBay, check on the "sold" prices, not what dreamers are asking for. And when you negotiate, as buyer, you can hardly ever go lower, just higher. Don't "start" at $500. IMHOTI
Thanks
The transit is in pretty good shape. Fits the tripod, the compass works when the needle is released, no extra eyepiece, plumb bob chain and hook are present as well as the sun sheild. All level vials intact and motion screws smooth. I could see the crosshairs but couldn't tell anything about the optics inside the building. I'll mount it and take a look before I offer.
My mindset when purchasing antique equipment is generally, to use the instrument(s) as an office decoration or conversation piece.?ÿ If I stick to that philosophy, and only pay an amount I am willing to pay for a decorative art piece, I generally do pretty good.?ÿ I've seen a few items on Ebay where the seller could purchase a new scanner or survey chariot with his proceeds after he sold his transit.
@kevin-hines Kevin, I've got some crap.. er vintage instruments laying around in my shop. Let's talk ???
Let me know what you have laying around that may interest me.?ÿ I am looking for a Gunter's chain.?ÿ What do you have that you'd be willing to part with?
I love the old instruments. Chains, tapes, bobs, transits.
Anything with genuine surveyor sweat.?ÿ
I nearly feel like I'm cheating, with my GPS!
N
With your vintage equipment, do you know where I can get an Owner's manual for a TOPCON AG-20B Theodolite??ÿ
Thanks Bernie
@nate-the-surveyor Nate, you got a JAVAD, you are cheating.
@mike lacey,
I've got some really wild javad photos to post. It's not so much that it gets the shot, but the confidence that it's right within RTK tolerances. (0.15'?ÿ +- is normal) for fast shots in woods.
N
With your vintage equipment, do you know where I can get an Owner's manual for a TOPCON AG-20B Theodolite??ÿ
Thanks Bernie
Sorry, I do not.?ÿ
Nate