Mahogany and Brass Vernier Surveyor's Compass

Description:

Mahogany and Brass Vernier Surveyor's Compass, with engraved 4 1/2-inch card with credit Wightman Sculp., fleur-de-lis at North, American eagle at the East, manuscript circumference ring divided 0-90 in four quadrants, outer brass needle ring with punched divisions, mahogany body with vernier screw on the underside, brass staff mount, lid and folding sights, lg. 10 1/2 in.

Note: The Thomas Wightman card has been trimmed at the outer edge - dissecting the eagle and fleur-de-lis - and pasted over an earlier card with handrwritten scale. The central medallion with the maker's name is almost completely obscured by the milled-brass needle hub which has been placed over the top, but probably refers to one of the various New England makers (see also Lot 1372) for whom Wightman is known to have engraved compass cards.
Estimate $600-800

Keywords