$677
Thomas Biggs Vernier Compass, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, first quarter 19th century, lacquered brass instrument with 6-in. dia. silvered dial marked "Thomas Biggs/Philadelphia," (lacking blued-steel needle), with needle lifter on underside, single bubble level, vernier and two sighting vanes. Note: Thomas Biggs was active in New York from 1786 to 1792, and Philadelphia from 1793 to 1819. In 1819 he advertised as a distributer of surveying instruments made by Thomas Whitney. This instrument, while marked Thomas Biggs, was most likely made by Whitney around 1819. Estimate $300-400 level, sighting vanes were machined by Robert Miller, lacking needle. 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
