07-25-200907-25-2009
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
July 25, 2009 10:00 AMCalender
134

Miniature Lacquered Brass Surveyor's Compass by Richard Patten

Sell one like this
$1,007$850
Auction: Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments - 2447Location: MarlboroughDate / Time: July 25, 2009 10:00AM

Description:

Miniature Lacquered Brass Surveyor's Compass by Richard Patten, with 4 in. silvered dial signed in script R. Patten, New York, Warranted, fleur-de-lis at North, East and West points reversed, needle ring divided 0-90 in four quadrants, blued steel needle with lifter, screw-on sights, and staff mount, lg. 10 3/4 in., in dovetailed mahogany case with maker's label in lid, wd. 11 1/2 in., (left side of case chipped).

Literature: Silvio Bedini, (1975),Thinkers and Tinkers, pp. 368-369. In 1841 Patten advertised that his instruments were warranted as "being divided on an Engine after the plan of Ramsden's." Since there is no evidence that he possessed a dividing engine of his own, Bedini writes that Patten occasionally made use of the Troughton dividing engine owned by the Coast Survey in Washington, in the period up until the end of 1845.
Estimate $1,500-2,000

Keywords

Richard Patten, Silvio Bedini, R. Patten, steel needle