Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
Description:
Thomas Biggs Vernier Compass, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, first quarter 19th century, lacquered brass instrument with 6-in. dia. silvered dial marked "Thomas Biggs/Philadelphia," (lacking blued-steel needle),with needle lifter on underside, single bubble level, vernier and two sighting vanes.
Note: Thomas Biggs was active in New York from 1786 to 1792, and Philadelphia from 1793 to 1819. In 1819 he advertised as a distributer of surveying instruments made by Thomas Whitney. This instrument, while marked Thomas Biggs, was most likely made by Whitney around 1819.
Estimate $300-400
level, sighting vanes were machined by Robert Miller, lacking needle.
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Thomas Biggs, Thomas Whitney, PhiladelphiaJonathan Dowling
Director, Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
508-970-3131
Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
From early timekeeping devices to precision regulators, the Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments department covers centuries of invention and function with trusted appraisals and world-competitive auctions.