William Young Cased Surveyor's Compass and Kit

Description:

William Young Cased Surveyor's Compass and Kit, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, lacquered brass instrument with 6-in. dia. engraved dial reading "W. Young maker Philadelphia," eight-point line rose with fleur-de-lis representing north, three brass inlaid dots, blued-steel needle with needle lifter on underside, single spirit level, and perpendicular brass attachment with sighting vane, all housed in a fitted walnut case with built-in drawing board, brass protractor and rosewood parallel rule for field plotting.

Note: This is the only compass which is signed "W. Young." It is believed to have been made by William J. Young in Whitney's shop after Thomas Whitney's death in 1823, but before 1825 when Young started his own company.
Estimate $600-800

tripod mount on instrument appears to be replaced, lacking one sighting vane on perpendicular mount is missing.


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