Fine EARLY 66 Foot (4 Pole) LAND SURVEYOR (Gunter) CHAIN, Maker Unknown, 1850
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:6866133 |
A fine and rare collector's land surveyor / Gunter chain 22 yards in length with all the links and tally tags intact; very uncommon triangular shaped '3' tally tags, maker unknown with no makers marks, outstanding condition, circa 1850.
We are pleased to be able to offer this fine, early and highly collectable land surveyor’s chain. Of all the chains we have collected and sold, this is the first chain ever that has these unusual shaped '3' tally ta...gs - likely the shape of these tally tags is an identification of the maker (photo #2).
This chain consists of 100 individual links, each link connected by two oval iron rings (photo #8) and one center swivel link (photo #5) and two iron handles. These heavy gauge links measure 0.16125 inches (measured with a micrometer). This chain measures 66 feet in length which equals 4 ‘poles’ or ‘1 chain’. 66 foot chains are also called ‘Gunter’s chains’. Edmund Gunter of England initiated its common use for measuring land boundaries in the early 1600s. Early land survey records in the American colonies were also recorded in ‘Chains’. 1 chain by 10 chains = 1 acre. One mile = 80 chains. The use of the 66 foot chain was confined chiefly for land surveying because of its relationship with the acre. Early American property parcels were all described in 'chains'.
This surveyor / Gunter chain is in 'as found' original condition. This is a great surveyors chain in outstanding original condition as you can see in the 12 photos provided. We are selling this historically fascinating Gunter chain WITHOUT RESERVE - so good luck with your bid if you are an advanced collector or a land surveyor. Precious and Few!
International Buyers – Please Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
We are pleased to be able to offer this fine, early and highly collectable land surveyor’s chain. Of all the chains we have collected and sold, this is the first chain ever that has these unusual shaped '3' tally ta...gs - likely the shape of these tally tags is an identification of the maker (photo #2).
This chain consists of 100 individual links, each link connected by two oval iron rings (photo #8) and one center swivel link (photo #5) and two iron handles. These heavy gauge links measure 0.16125 inches (measured with a micrometer). This chain measures 66 feet in length which equals 4 ‘poles’ or ‘1 chain’. 66 foot chains are also called ‘Gunter’s chains’. Edmund Gunter of England initiated its common use for measuring land boundaries in the early 1600s. Early land survey records in the American colonies were also recorded in ‘Chains’. 1 chain by 10 chains = 1 acre. One mile = 80 chains. The use of the 66 foot chain was confined chiefly for land surveying because of its relationship with the acre. Early American property parcels were all described in 'chains'.
This surveyor / Gunter chain is in 'as found' original condition. This is a great surveyors chain in outstanding original condition as you can see in the 12 photos provided. We are selling this historically fascinating Gunter chain WITHOUT RESERVE - so good luck with your bid if you are an advanced collector or a land surveyor. Precious and Few!
International Buyers – Please Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
