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Surveyor's Vernier Compass

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Knives, Swords & Blades Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Surveyor's Vernier Compass
Surveyor's Vernier Compass. 6.75" compass dial is marked W.J. Young over Maker on top and Philadelphia on the bottom.There is a brass cover that protects the dial when not in use. This very heavy brass compass was meant to be mounted on a tripod for stability and it was owned by Gettysburg College, and dates from the late 1840's or early 1850's, after the expiration of Young's patent and before he started to put serial numbers on his instruments.The variation arc extends 20 some degrees either way and is graduated to 30 minutes. The vernier is moved by rack and pinion located on the south arm and hidden under a brass plate, and reads to single minutes.There is an outkeeper and a level vial (now missing) on the north arm.The compass comes in a wooden case that is 16.5" by 8.25" by 4.75" high.
Estimated Value$800 - 1,200.