04-12-201904-12-2019
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
April 12, 2019 10:00 AMCalender
379

Wm. J. Young Improved Compass with Gimballed Vanes

Sell one like this
$1,476$1,200
Auction: Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments - 3230MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: April 12, 2019 10:00AM

Description:

Wm. J. Young Improved Compass with Gimballed Vanes, no. 3539, c. 1860, stationary 6-in. dia. compass engraved "Wm. J. Young Maker/Philadelphia/3539," internal vernier with scale reading to minutes, gimballed outer plate with attached sighting vanes and 12 1/2-in. scope, tripod mount, all housed in its original mahogany fitted case.

Note: In 1832 Young was granted a patent covering an improved compass, which is described as a compass that allows measurement of horizontal angles without the aid of the needle. In 1831 he removed the sights from such a compass and replaced them with a telescope, which could transit and call it an "improved compass with telescope." By 1836 this instrument was commonly called a transit, and the name has held until today.
Estimate $600-800


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Keywords

Philadelphia