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Habitat for Humanity of Utah County
[View Habitat for Humanity of Utah County Auctions]
Auction Started
Jul 23, 2026 12:42 PM MDT
Auction Ends
Aug 2, 2026 08:00 PM MDT
This auction might extend
Auction Started
Jul 23, 2026 12:42 PM MDT
Auction Ends
Aug 2, 2026 08:00 PM MDT
This auction might extend
Pick-up Location
Habitat for Humanity of Utah County ReStore
340 South Orem Blvd
Orem,
UT
84058
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Payment
Visa, MasterCard, Discover
Online CC Payment Less than or equal to $4,000.00
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Condition:
SEE DESCRIPTION
Vintage Wye Level - Vintage Dumpy Level - A
This is a AI generated description of the Levels offered in this auction. It my or may not be accurate...
#1: Vintage Engineer’s Wye Level (also known as a Y-level).
It is a highly precise surveying instrument used by 19th and 20th-century civil engineers to determine elevations, establish horizontal lines, and measure line-of-sight differentials. Unlike a "transit" (which can tilt vertically to measure angles), a Wye level features a telescope resting securely inside two Y-shaped brass brackets ("wyes"). It has leveling screws at the base and a highly sensitive spirit level mounted directly underneath the main optical tube.
Manufactured in 1972 or early 1973.
- The Serial Number Clue: The yellow manufacturer’s tag explicitly displays serial number 72147.
- The Date Code: C.L. Berger & Sons adjusted their serial numbering system later in the 20th century to code the manufacturing year into the prefix of the serial number (in this case, "72" stands for 1972). This matches the physical characteristics of the unit, such as the late-era textured black finish on the metal components and the updated company branding.
History of the Instrument
The firm was originally established in Boston, Massachusetts, by Christian Louis Berger in 1898 after he dissolved his previous partnership with George Buff (forming Buff & Berger from 1871–1898). Rebranding as C.L. Berger & Sons, the company earned worldwide renown for producing top-tier engineering, astronomical, and mining equipment. Their instruments mapped out early American transcontinental railroads, canals, and major municipal infrastructures. By the mid-to-late 20th century, the company transitioned from fully polished brass designs to these heavy-duty, weather-resistant textured coatings to support post-war infrastructure and highway construction booms across the United States.
Current Market Value
Because this photograph reveals that the tool is nearly complete—including its lower leveling base, thumb screws, and integrated spirit level—it holds significantly more value than a standalone telescope piece.
- Estimated Value: $200 to $350 USD.
- Value Factors: The instrument is in excellent, clean cosmetic condition with crisp original paint and an intact yellow factory tag. To hit the absolute top end of the market (closer to $400+), it would require its original outdoor wooden tripod legs and a verified functional optical path (clear crosshairs with intact interior glass).
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#2: Vintage 12-Inch Dumpy Level,
Manufactured by C.L. Berger & Sons.
A dumpy level is an optical surveying instrument used to establish horizontal line-of-sight reference planes. It consists of a 12-inch telescope rigidly fixed to its support stage, flanked by a sensitive spirit level vial and four leveling thumb screws at its base.
The paper label fixed to the inside of the lid acts as a factory reference card, explicitly titling the unit as a "12 INCH DUMPY LEVEL."
Manufacturing Period & History
- Manufacturing Era: This instrument was manufactured during the late 1950s or 1960s. The smooth gray enameled powder finish, the modern block lettering stamped onto the frame, and the specific typeface on the interior paper insert are characteristic of Berger's post-WWII, mid-century production.
- Company History: Founded in Boston, Massachusetts, by German immigrant Christian Louis Berger in 1898 after breaking away from his original partnership Buff & Berger, the company achieved global prestige building heavy-duty, highly precise engineering tools. Their instruments were foundational in laying out early U.S. railroads, canals, and topographical mapping programs. By the mid-20th century, the company transitioned from polished brass models to these ultra-durable gray finishes to withstand harsh environmental conditions on highway construction and civil engineering jobsites.
The current market value for this complete mid-century Berger instrument generally ranges between $120 and $250 USD.
Sold As-Is & As Seen in Pictures.
We do NOT ship.
Local Pickup Only.
No Appointment Necessary.
Open Tue – Sat 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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Disclaimer
PLEASE READ TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COMPLETE INFORMATIONInspection of Auction items can be made anytime during business hours at the Orem ReStore.(Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm) 340 S Orem Blvd. Orem, UT 84058
Habitat for Humanity of Utah County may require a bid deposit.
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Acceptable forms of payment are: Online Wire Transfers or Online Credit Card payment.
NO CASH, CHECKS, OR MONEY ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED!
Payment for an awarded item must be received within five (5) business days after notice of award.
Habitat for Humanity of Utah County may charge sales tax. The tax rate will be calculated at the time of bidding. When sales tax is included, the buyer shall add and include the sales tax amount when making payment.
A Buyers Premium of 10.5% will be added to the final sale price with a $1 minimum charge per auction for payment collections. This premium will be visible during the bidding process and added to the total bid.
All sales are final. Public Surplus will notify the buyer of receipt of payment via email.
The successful bidder will be responsible for pick-up of item(s) from the agency's premises. Pick-up must occur within ten (10) business days after notification of award. The notice of award, payment receipt, and personal identification must be presented at time of pick-up, or the item will not be released.
The successful bidder will be responsible for loading any item(s) at pickup