Object Details
maker
W. & L. E. Gurley
Description
This chain bears the inscription “W. & L. E. GURLEY TROY, N.Y." and "10 M STEEL No. 12.” Gurley began making metric chains in the 1870s, later explaining that the French meter was "very generally used as a standard in South America." This example has 50 links made of No. 12 steel wire, brass handles and tallies, and measures 10 meters overall. The links and rings are brazed shut.
Ref: W. & L. E. Gurley, Manual of the Principal Instruments Used in American Engineering and Surveying (Troy, N.Y., 1878), p. 9.
W. & L. E. Gurley, Manual of the Principal Instruments Used in American Engineering and Surveying (Troy, N.Y., 1893), p. 254.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Gurley Historical Services
ID Number
1994.0280.02
accession number
1994.0280
catalog number
1994.0280.02
Object Name
surveyor's chain (metric)
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 2 1/2 in x 9 1/2 in x 6 in; 6.35 cm x 24.13 cm x 15.24 cm
overall, bundled: 2 in x 10 in x 5 in; 5.08 cm x 25.4 cm x 12.7 cm
place made
United States: New York, Troy
Related Publication
W. & L. E. Gurley. Manual of the Prinicipal Instruments Used in American Engineering and Surveying; 23rd Edition
W. & L. E. Gurley. Manual of the Prinicipal Instruments Used in American Engineering and Surveying; 30th Edition
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Metric System
Surveying and Geodesy
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_764453