Throughout recorded history surveyors have used many devices for measuring distances.  These devices have included rope, poles, grape vines, pacing, steel tapes, electronic devices and "chains".   The basic "Gunter's" chain was the primary tool of surveyors to measure distance in North America from the 1600's to the end of the 1800's.  The basic idea of a chain is to be 66' long with 100 links making up the chain.  There are numerous variations including the "Pennsylvania" chain that was 66' long but only had 80 links and the "Engineer's" chain that was 100' long with 100 links.  Methods of construction also varied widely - different types of gauges of wire, different handles, with or without tally tags, with or without swivels, etc.   Below are pictured 5 different chains that represent a wide variety of construction details and a 6th photo showing some of the tally tags and swivels.

4 Pole Chain

Made by Young - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania circa late 1800's

100 brazed links, 2 rings per link, no swivel, 0.10" wire, cast brass handles, adjustable calibration.  Tally tags at +/- 10, 20, 30, 40 and center on side rings.

2 Pole Chain

Maker unknown circa mid 1800's 50 open links, 1 ring per link, 1 swivel,  0.14" wire, cast iron handles & swivel, not  adjustable.  Tally tags missing, but originally on side rings at 10, 20, 30 & 40 links.

2 Pole Chain

Maker unknown circa early 1800's 50 open links, 2 rings per link, 1 swivel, 0.13" wire, handles of 0.15" wire.  Tally tags at +/- 10 and 20 on side ring, of a unique shape.

2 Pole "Pennsylvania" Chain

Made by Chesterman - Sheffield, England circa mid 1800's

40 open links, 2 rings per link, 1 swivel, 0.15" wire, cast brass handles, not adjustable.  Tally tags at +/- 5, 10 and center on side rings.

100' Engineers Chain

Made by Chesterman - Sheffield, England circa late 1800's

100 open links, 2 rings per link, 1 swivel, 0.16" wire, cast brass handles, not adjustable.  Tally tags at +/- 10, 20, 30, 40 and center on side rings.

Different shapes of tally tags and swivels