Antique 1905 W & L E Gurley Surveyors Tape Reel in Gunter’s Measurement, Surveyors Tool

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We have for sale Antique 1905 W & L E Gurley Surveyors Tape Reel in Gunter’s measurement.
A very rare find this Gunter Tape Reel made by W & L E Gurley in 1905. The tape is marked in Gunter’s measurement lengths which equal 66-foot (20.1 m) this was the standard measuring method of surveyors from the 1600s till the mid-20th century.
Made of wood handle and frame with steel tape around a brass real with brass crank handle. Marked very lightly on the wood W & L E Gurley 1845, 66. Also marked on tape ring (Depose) meaning (registered trade mark) The brass crank pivots out and spins as the reel is cranked.

History,
Gunter's chain (also known as Gunter’s measurement) is a distance measuring device used for surveying. It was designed and introduced in 1620 by English clergyman and mathematician Edmund Gunter (1581–1626). It enabled plots of land to be accurately surveyed and plotted, for legal and commercial purposes. Gunter developed an actual measuring chain of 100 links. The chains were used until the late 1890s at when the steel tape was developed and used.

This is an incredibly unique gift or display item for someone who collects Surveyors items or is a Surveyor.

Circa, 1905
Marked, W & L E Gurley 1845, 66
Measures, 11” long, tape reel is 4 ½” diameter.
Condition, Very good for age, tape does have a repair between 95 and 100 Gunter’s were it was brazed. Please see all pictures.



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Sku# 4559