Description

Amazing Early 1800s Surveyor’s Compass in Wooden Holder
An excellent early 19th‑century compass, housed in its original two‑handled wooden holder with fitted cover—a form strongly associated with early American surveying work. The compass itself is very early, with a clean face and a needle that moves freely, showing it remains fully functional.
The wooden holder is beautifully shaped, with warm patina and the classic early hand‑carved look. One of the tiny brass hinges is missing a few brass tacks, a common issue on early pinned hardware, but the cover still seats properly. Overall, the piece measures 12″ across, giving it a substantial presence in hand or on display.
A wonderful early surveying instrument—both functional and historically significant, and a great example of the tools used by early American land surveyors in the first half of the 1800s.
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