Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
Description:
John Heilig Brass Surveyor's Compass, c. 1800, Germantown, Pennsylvania, 7-in. silvered dial engraved with a fleur-de-lis representing north, raised brass center boss engraved "John Heilig. Germantown," outer scale divided in four quadrants, blued-steel needle with needle lifter on underside, circular-cased level, one arm engraved with the letter "N," and vernier knob on underside.
Note: Similar instruments are in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania. According to the Schwenkfelder Library, John Heilig was married to Susanna Rittenhouse, sister to Matthais Rittenhouse, the father of David Rittenhouse.
Estimate $3,000-5,000
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
Susanna Rittenhouse, Matthais Rittenhouse, Pennsburg, GermantownJonathan 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.