Brass Surveying Quadrant

Description:

Brass Surveying Quadrant, possibly by Francis Whitely, with protractor divided 0-90°, pointer on hinged arm, outkeeper, engraved LT (links and tenths) and tables, silvered trough compass fitting to either arm, with engraved arrow at North, blued-steel needle with faceted brass hub, and lifting arm, four detachable sights with two numbered and two blank (replaced ?) screws, socket mount and vial, lg. 12 1/2 in., in re-made fitted wood case.

Literature: Smart, The Makers of Surveying Instruments in America Since 1700, p. 165 for a similar instrument by Whietely. Francis Whiteley of Stanardsville, Virginia, patented a "Mathematical Instrument" on December 6. 1836, Patent No. 99, described as an "improvement in surveying instruments". The instrument could be used both horizontally and vertically for a number of functions, including as a protractor and trigonometer. Known instruments by Whitely are usually marked with a three number above one hundred, whereas this instrument is un-numbered.
Estimate $1,000-1,500

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