Description

MINIATURE FOUR-VANE SURVEYING COMPASS, English, c. 1800.  With main plate just 3” (7.6 cm) in outside diameter, this exquisite little brass instrument has the features of a large four-vane circumferentor.  Two matched string-and-slit sight vanes mount to the main plate, which is divided every degree full circle.  A similar set of vanes mounts to the manually rotatable glazed compass, itself with internal silvered circular scale (divided every two degrees) and exceptionally fine compass needle, and early glass.  Condition is very fine noting one sight vane with an old crack, one screw replaced, and the case fittings reworked.

        The high quality of workmanship and the style of the fine engraving suggest the work of Adams or W. & S. Jones.  It is certainly the smallest four-vane circumferentor we have seen, the whole fitting comfortably in the palm of the hand, yet a fully functional precision instrument. $2400.