Object Details
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
Description
F. W. Simms in England noted in 1836 that the recent construction of canals and railroads had led to the introduction of a chain in which each link and its associated rings was 12 inches long. Chains of this sort, measuring either 50 or 100 feet overall, were soon known as engineer's chains. This example was sold by Keuffel & Esser in New York. It has 100 links made of No. 12 steel, and brass handles and tallies. It measures 100 feet overall. The links and rings are brazed shut. There is a spring hook (snap) at 50 feet, so that the surveyor can separate the chain into two equal halves. New, it cost $11. The U. S. Geological Survey transferred it to the Smithsonian in 1907.
Ref: Keuffel & Esser, Catalogue (New York, 1906), p. 505.
F. W. Simms, A Treatise on the Principal Mathematical Instruments (Baltimore, 1836), p. 10.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
U.S. Geological Survey
ID Number
PH.247951
catalog number
247951
accession number
47736
Object Name
Engineer's Chain
Measurements
overall, bundled: 3 1/2 in x 14 in x 4 1/2 in; 8.89 cm x 35.56 cm x 11.43 cm
Related Publication
Simms, Frederick W.. Treatise on the Principal Mathematical Instruments Employed in Surveying, Levelling, & Astronomy; 2nd Edition
Keuffel & Esser. Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 32 Edition
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Surveying and Geodesy
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_762993