Description

20 cm. diameter with 12 cm. silvered compass and 10 cm. sighting vanes, this surveying instrument is signed “Troughton, London” in flowing script. Compass dial divided into 360 degrees on the outer ring and further divided into four 90 degree quadrants. Unusual features include a RED compass needle (still points North), round knurled compass lock knob and a wonderful butterfly nut below for the pole staff. Outer ring fully divided in 1/2 degree increments for the full 360 degrees with vernier diamond (not further subdivided).  Vanes can be used in any variation through 90 degrees. Vane sighting hairs missing but will include a replacement horse hair for the purist to re-string. A beautiful, fully functional and asthetically pleasing instrument by the founder of the famous Troughton and Simms Company. No compass lid or box.

Edward Troughton (1808-24) had a shop at The Orrery, 136 Fleet Street in London and was a top maker.