Bidspirit auction | Vintage K&E Planimeter & USGS

Vintage K&E Planimeter & USGS Station Pointer - This lot consists of two precision mid-century engineering and drafting instruments: a Keuffel & Esser Co. No. N4220 Compensating Polar Planimeter (Serial No. 1432, manufactured in Germany) housed in its original plush, blue velvet-lined black leatherette case, complete with its internal English/Metric system conversion chart card; alongside a heavy vintage steel and brass 3-arm triangulation instrument identified via an internal handwritten note as a USGS Station Pointer, safely nestled in its original fitted, naturally finished wooden box featuring hook latches and a partial, aged exterior paper label. Both technical pieces reflect the high standard of mid-20th-century design, presenting nicely intact dials, vernier scales, and mechanical arm components. Mechanically sound and visually striking, both instruments are in very good, well-maintained antique condition; the metalwork displays a light, honest field patina with minimal surface oxidation, while the cases show typical minor handling scuffs, and the wooden box has moderate edge wear and historic scratching from service life. H 1.75”, W 14”, D 6.5” ; H 2.25”, W 9.75”, D 3.5”. Please see photos for condition. From the Dale Beeks collection.