Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
Description:
John Heilig Brass Surveyor's Compass, c. 1800, Germantown, Pennsylvania, 6 1/2-in. silvered dial engraved with a fleur-de-lis representing north, raised center reading John Heilig Germantown, outer scale divided in four quadrants, barbed steel needle, knurled knob needle lock-down located on tripod mount, two sighting vanes, lg. 16 in.
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 $6,000-8,000
This is a vernier compass.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). 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 Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Susanna Rittenhouse, John Heilig Germantown, Matthais Rittenhouse, Germantown, PennsburgJonathan 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.