05-01-201005-01-2010
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
May 1, 2010 10:00 AMCalender
733

Brass Surveyor's Compass by Chandlee & Holloway

Sell one like this
$4,444$3,750
Auction: Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments - 2502Location: MarlboroughDate / Time: May 01, 2010 10:00AM

Description:

Brass Surveyor's Compass by Chandlee & Holloway, Baltimore, circa 1819-1822, 5 3/4 in. dia. engraved brass dial with stylized fleur-de-lis at north, signed in the southern quadrant Chandlee & Holloway and Baltimore within the 3/4 inch dia. dial marked P at the north end, calibrated 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, 240, 280 and 320 around the perimeter and with recessed rotating dial with Arabic numerals and brass moon hand, eight point rose with cardinal points in block lettering, North and South unmarked, silvered needle dial calibrated 0-90 in four quadrants, blued steel fleur-de-lis needle and brass keeper, shaped limbs with vials in decoratively engraved holders, screw on sights stamped 4 and walnut carrying case, lg. of instrument, 14 3/4 in.

Literature: Charles E. Smart, The Makers of Surveying Instruments in America since 1700, pp. 26-28.
Estimate $4,000-6,000

instrument in old surface, remains of original silvering around ribband and under keeper, probably the original glass, sights and thumb screw attachments are the original, some surface rust on blued steel hand, box is quite possibly the orignal, in distressed condition with surface crack on lid.

Keywords

North and South, steel fleur-de-lis needle, Charles E. Smart, blued steel hand