Rare Mahogany Surveyor's with Compass Card by George Adams

Description:

Rare Mahogany Surveyor's with Compass Card by George Adams, with engraved brass needle ring and 4 1/4-inch compass card both divided 0-360, two sets of sixteen points forming the rays of a stylized sun medallion enclosed by ring with credit Made by G. Adams in Fleet St., London, steel needle with brass hub, and mahogany body with slim, straight arm and staff mount, lg. 14 1/2 in., (age split in wood); two later mahogany sights and a tripod.

Note: The construction of the compass body is characteristic of New England makers. However, the crisply-engraved needle ring (as well as the printed compass card) is probably the work of Adams, either purchased directly from London or taken early-on from an existing instrument.
Estimate $800-1,200

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