Surveyor's Compass

Description:

James Prentice (1812–1888) was born in London and trained as an instrument maker. He began in business in New York in 1842, importing and manufacturing mathematical instruments. Later advertisements mention optical, meteorological, and electrical apparatus as well. The firm became James Prentice & Son in 1883, and James Prentice & Son Company in 1897.

This compass marked "J. Prentice, 66 Nassau St., N. Y." was made around 1860, when Prentice was working at this address. The rim is graduated to 30 minutes. There is a north–south level vial on the north arm, and an east–west level on the south arm.

Maker: Prentice, James

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New York, New York

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

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PH.329276Catalog Number: 329276Accession Number: 282034

Object Name: Surveyor's Compass

Measurements: overall length: 14 1/8 in; 35.8775 cmneedle: 5 in; 12.7 cmoverall: 3 1/8 in x 14 5/8 in x 7 5/8 in; 7.9375 cm x 37.1475 cm x 19.3675 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a8-8aaa-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_997220

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