TOP DRAWER 66 foot steel land SURVEYOR CHAIN, maker unknown, circa 1890 For Sale

A wonderful condition professional surveyor / Gunter chain 22 yards (4 pole or 66 feet) in length with all the links intact, unmarked handles, and with all 19 individual brass tally tags, each unusually marked with link numbers as the tally markers, possiblyAmerican,circa 1890.

We are pleased to offer this fine and very unusual land surveyor’s chain. Thetallymarkers run from and arenumbered5 - 95 (19 total, none missing). The numbers represent the number of links from the iron handle. The chain consists of 100 individual links connected by oval iron rings. The tally markers are placed 5 links apart and tell the surveyor how many \'links\' to the the property corners or marks. Interestingly, this chain cannot be used like the other chains we usually sell here on when measuring by \'links\'. A \'normal\' chain can be used from either end - this one must begin eachmeasurementfrom the same end if using the link numbers - that\'s why one handle is brass and the other one iron. The surveyorknowsto alwaysstartthemeasurementby using the iron handle and ending with the brass handle. This chain could be used the same way (either end) as other \'normal\' chains by using only the 9 tally markers with even numbers as they are in the same position on the chain and with the same shape indicating partial chainmeasurementsas on regular surveyor chains. There is nomakersmark either on the handles or the tally tags. The tally tags are each marked with the same number on both sides.

This Gunter\'s chain measures 66 feet in length which equals 4 ‘poles’ or ‘1 chain’. 66 foot chains are also called ‘Gunter’s chains’. Edwin 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.

This most unusual surveyor / Gunter chain is completely genuine and in untouched original condition. As you can see in the photos provided, this is a great surveyors chain in very good complete condition with very minor / insugnificant surface rust. We are selling this historically fascinating Gunter chain WITHOUT RESERVE - so good luck if you are a discriminating collector or land surveyor. We have sold over 100 chains here on over the years, but have never had one like this! This chain is a true KEEPER!

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 offerding or buying.