Surveyor’s Compass

Description:

Like many surveyor's compasses made in New York in the first half of the 19th century, this one has an ornate floral design on its face. Unlike most American compasses of the period, however, the face reads clockwise, and there is no maker's signature. The donor believed that James Griswold used this compass and the associated chain, pins, tally, and drawing instruments while laying out the New York and Erie Railroad.

Date Made: ca 1800-1850

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New York

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences, Surveying and Geodesy, Measuring & Mapping, Artifact Walls exhibit

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Preston R. Bassett

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PH.319340Catalog Number: 319340Accession Number: 236805

Object Name: surveyor's compass

Physical Description: brass (overall material)Measurements: overall: 14 1/2 in; 36.83 cmneedle: 5 1/2 in; 13.97 cmoverall; compass: 2 3/4 in x 14 5/8 in x 6 1/2 in; 6.985 cm x 37.1475 cm x 16.51 cmoverall; brackets, each: 1 3/8 in x 7 5/8 in x 1 1/4 in; 3.4925 cm x 19.3675 cm x 3.175 cmoverall; cover: 5/8 in x 6 1/2 in; 1.5875 cm x 16.51 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b3-5602-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_997214

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