surveyor's compass
Datecirca 1825
Inventory Number5185
ClassificationSurveyor's Compass
Subject
Maker
Samuel Thaxter & Son
fl. 1822 - 1843
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionscompass: 20.1 × 39.1 × 15.3 cm (7 15/16 × 15 3/8 × 6 in.)
blue board box: 22.5 × 43.7 × 19.1 cm (8 7/8 × 17 3/16 × 7 1/2 in.)
blue board box: 22.5 × 43.7 × 19.1 cm (8 7/8 × 17 3/16 × 7 1/2 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis instrument is made of a rectangular mahogany frame (not original) on which a silver ring scale and paper dial have been embedded. There are two removable sighting vanes at each end. The paper dial has the eight principal directions printed and a fleur-de-lys indicating North. Degrees are engraved on the raised silver scale (0-90°-0-90°), divided in degrees, marked every ten. The needle is suspended by a steel point. The brass lifter arm is operated from underneath the instrument. The instrument is also equipped with a brass socket so it could be mounted on a tripod or staff.
Signedon dial: THAXTER & SON / MAKERS. / State Street, / BOSTON.
FunctionThe surveyor's compass is an instrument used in surveying (or in navigation in rare cases) to measure horizontal angles, what is called bearing or azimuth.
For a nice discussion of this intrument, see the following website.
For a nice discussion of this intrument, see the following website.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Roland Hammond, North Andover, Massachusetts, November 5, 1964. Donated to CHSI February 2, 1977.
Samuel Thaxter & Son
Date: 1822-1831
Accessories: protective cushioned cloth; carrying case; ball-and-socket joint
Object number: 5180
William J. Young
Date: 1820-1840
Accessories: ball-and-socket joint; carrying case
Object number: 5189
Charles Pool
Date: 1820-1835
Accessories: carrying case; ball-and-socket joint; extra needle; plumb bob; glass vial; brass plates
Object number: 5194
J. Pool & Company
Date: circa 1850
Accessories: carrying case
Object number: 5200
Chamberlain & Ritchie
Date: 1850-1854
Accessories: carrying case; tripod (5129b)
Object number: 5129a
George Adams (I)
Date: 1750-1772
Accessories: carrying case; cover plate (missing)
Object number: DW0687
William J. Young
Date: 1840-1855
Accessories: carrying case
Object number: 5190
H. M. Pool & Brothers
Date: 1853-1858
Accessories: belt grip; dial cover plate; lifter arm; carrying case
Object number: 5188
Alexander Megarey
Date: circa 1840
Accessories: cover plate for compass dial; plumb bob; ball and socket tripod (2005-1-0002), carrying case
Object number: 5199
See also/See also
