Wye Level

Description:

"Of the different varieties of the leveling instrument, that termed the Y Level, has been almost universally preferred by American engineers, on account of the facility of its adjustment and superior accuracy," declared Gurley in 1871. At that time, Gurley offered four different levels, with telescopes of 16, 18, 20, and 22 inches long. Since the "W. & L. E. Gurley, Troy, N.Y." signature on this example was engraved by hand, the level was made between 1852 when Gurley began in business, and 1876, when Gurley's new engraving machine was up and running. New, with tripod, this level cost $110. It belonged to Bowdoin College.

Ref: W. & L. E. Gurley, Manual of the Principal Instruments used in American Engineering and Surveying (Troy, N.Y., 1871), pp. 197–118.

W. Skerritt, "W. & L. E. Gurley's Engraving Machine," Rittenhouse 11 (1997): 97–100.

Date Made: 1852-1876

Owner: Bowdoin CollegeMaker: W. & L. E. Gurley

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New York, Troy

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences, Surveying and Geodesy, Measuring & Mapping

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Related Publication: W. & L. E. Gurley. Manual of the Prinicipal Instruments Used in American Engineering and Surveying; 17th Edition

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PH.329727Catalog Number: 329727Accession Number: 278336

Object Name: level (wye)

Measurements: telescope: 18 in; 45.72 cmoverall in case: 4 7/8 in x 18 1/2 in x 9 1/8 in; 12.3825 cm x 46.99 cm x 23.1775 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-af2a-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_748695

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.