This cased 19th century American surveyors plain compass was produced by W. & L.E. Gurley of Troy, New York. Started in 1852, W. & L.E. Gurley soon became the largest manufacturer of engineering and surveying instruments in the United States. This surveyor's plain compass is script engraved "W. & L.E. Gurley" and "TROY, N.Y." on the silvered compass dial which has a glass facing. In a wooden case with a factory paper label attached to the inside of the lid. Complete with a brass compass dial cover, two original sight vans (one with vertical graduations, one with peep sights), a brass plumb bob, a ball and socket Jabobs staff joint, and two surveyor's chain.

Fine. The compass has been cleaned at one time, but overall has an attractive patina and the compass dial retains traces of silver. The brass dial cover has a mixed patina with some minor pitting. The two bubble levels are operational. The glass facing is excellent. In good working order. The case has three long cracks on top of the lid and some minor handling marks, with wear and a few missing chips on the edges. Missing one latching eye hook.