Premier Auction - Session II - September 16, 2023
Sat, Sep 16, 2023 09:00AM EDT
Lot 947
Rare Surveyors' Plain Brass Compass in Wood Box
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
Maryland, 18th century, made by clock and compass maker Frederick Heisely (1759-1843), intricately engraved dial with inscription "F. Heisely/Fredericktown", two side vanes and two screws, 7-1/4 x 14 x 6 in., in original fitted wood case with key and lock, 3-1/2 x 14-3/4 x 7 in.
Provenance: N. Kenzie Smith & Sons, Inc., Frederick, Maryland (with copy of receipt); Private Collection, Maryland
Note: Similar example pictured in Gurley Manual of Surveying Instruments, p. 122. See: https://compleatsurveyor.com/resources/Makers/HeiselyFrederick.pdf
Accompanied by excerpts with information on the maker.
Condition
possibly missing elements, tarnish and patina, loss to lining atop glass, some loose paper under glass, case with loss to velvet lining, separations at some seams
N. Kenzie Smith & Sons, Inc., Frederick, Maryland (with copy of receipt); Private Collection, Maryland
