Surveyor's Compass

Description:

This unusually small compass would probably not have been used by professional surveyors. But it might have been used by farmers wishing to lay out their lands. The "B. Pike & Sons 166 Broadway, N.Y." signature refers to a firm that was in business at this address during the years 1841–1843 and 1850–1855.

Maker: B. Pike & Sons

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New York, New York City

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.316585Accession Number: 225752Catalog Number: 316585

Object Name: Surveyor's Compass

Measurements: overall length: 10 1/2 in; 26.67 cmneedle: 3 1/2 in; 8.89 cmoverall: 2 7/8 in x 10 7/8 in x 5 11/16 in; 7.3025 cm x 27.6225 cm x 14.44625 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-8ba0-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_747213

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.