$1,476
Wm. J. Young Improved Compass with Gimballed Vanes, no. 3539, c. 1860, stationary 6-in. dia. compass engraved "Wm. J. Young Maker/Philadelphia/3539," internal vernier with scale reading to minutes, gimballed outer plate with attached sighting vanes and 12 1/2-in. scope, tripod mount, all housed in its original mahogany fitted case. Note: In 1832 Young was granted a patent covering an improved compass, which is described as a compass that allows measurement of horizontal angles without the aid of the needle. In 1831 he removed the sights from such a compass and replaced them with a telescope, which could transit and call it an "improved compass with telescope." By 1836 this instrument was commonly called a transit, and the name has held until today. Estimate $600-800 Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2019-04-12
