Part of a Boston Colonial Brass Surveyor's Compass by John Dupee

Description:

Part of a Boston Colonial Brass Surveyor's Compass by John Dupee, with 4 1/4-inch brass dial engraved with eight-point rose, fleur-de-lis at North, central medallion with Tudor rose enclosed by ribband Made and Sold by John Dupee in Boston, N. E., 1756, compass ring with punched numerals divided 0-90 in four quadrants, blued-steel needle, and brass cover, lg. 7 1/4 in.

Note: John Dupee is listed in Boston city records during the early decades of the 18th century. He originally operated from Dock Square, until a fire in 1761 when he advertised the opening of a new shop at "the North side of the Swing Bridge". At some point, the compass has been dismnatled, and what remains is the body with the original tabs which have been modified to take sight vanes (no longer present).
Estimate $2,000-3,000

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