Item SUR4 - Spencer & Co. (London) Surveyor's Compass.
Spencer
& Co. was a prolific maker of navigational (sextants and Octants, Spy Glasses)
and survey instruments from the mid 1700s on through the 19th
Century. Successor companies include Spencer, Browning and Rust, and Spencer and
Browning; but they apparently also marked tools throughout their history with
the original Spenser & Co that is found on this surveyor's compass. The
instrument is in its original dovetailed box (somewhat worn, with a missing
splinter at one end) and has its original vanes with sighting wire in good
shape. The compass has a face 6” diameter with a 5 1/2” needle having an
external lock. It works smoothly. The face of the dial is hand engraved with the
arrows for the cardinal points more ornately engraved than those for the
intermediate ones. There is a heavy degree ring around the perimeter which may
be a replacement, for there is a second ring, much tarnished and probably
original, loose in the box. The compass has a press-fit telescoping brass lid
that is unmarked. The underside of the compass body has a Jacob's Staff fitting
with an apparently replaced (but proper) fixing screw. The length of the
compass, with arms for the sighting vanes is 15”. The fixing screws for the
vanes are present and original. The compass is not equipped with levels, for is
there for provision for levels. External levels are required for use. The brass
body and vanes have not been polished and retain their accumulated patina (and
an occasional light scratch). The pine box appears original and has wear on the
edges. The hinges and other hardware look original and are without fault. This
is an old, and uncommon English survey compass in the American Style It is Good+
Price - $350
RETURN to forsale list.