Rare Brass Surveyor's Compass by Joseph Farr

Description:

Rare Brass Surveyor's Compass by Joseph Farr, the 5-inch dia. silvered dial with central brass hub engraved in script J. Farr, Pittsfield, No. 38 and bordered with engine-turned ring, six-point rose with fleur-de-lis at North, the points alternately hatched and foliate-engraved, inclinometer scale (missing needle) divided 80-0-80, needle ring divided 0-90° in four quadrants, declination scale, blued-steel needle with brass lifter, straight re-entrant limb with two vials, staff-mount, and screw-on sights with thumbscrews and staggered feet, lg. 13 x ht. 6 1/2 in., (glass cracked, needle probably replaced, lacking lifter screw).

Note: Joseph Farr (1775 - 1845) was born in Cummington, Massachusetts. The son of the first innkeeper in Cummington, Farr was a silversmith by trade, and a maker of mathematical instruments. A Farr compass numbered 82 is listed by Smart as originating in Manlius village. Compass No. 51, in private hands, is recorded with the Pittsfield address, which appears to be an earlier version of the more commonly found Manlius village.
Estimate $2,000-3,000

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