Description

LARGE OHIO SURVEYING COMPASS, American, c. 1880, signed “T.F. Randolph, Cin., O.” The thick main plate is 15-3/4″ (40 cm) long, mounted with twin spirit levels, outkeeper adjustable 1-16, and 7″ diameter glazed compass with simple face, silvered degree ring divided full circle every half-degree, and very finely crafted needle (blued, with horizontally flat center and vertically flat ends, set with steel pivot, brass hub, and balance adjustment for needle dip). Below is an outkeeper knob, a canted needle lifter knob, and large mounting fixture for staff or tripod. The outfit includes the 7-3/4″ tall sight vanes, turned brass compass cover, and brass mounting peg. Parts are numbered “2” throughout. Condition is good; the instrument has been cleaned at some time, and now shows a bit of spotting. Included is the massive, probably later, walnut carrying case. This Ohio maker, Theodore F. Randolph (1829-1898), received a number of patents for surveying instrument inventions, his instruments winning numerous medals at industrial expositions in the 1850’s, 60’s and 70’s.