Historical Surveying Equipment
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This compass was used in early
surveying.
This compass was used in early surveying.
| David Rittenhouse, colonial America's
foremost instrument maker, lived from 1732 to 1796. He was an
astronomer, surveyor, clockmaker and a maker of mathematical and
surveying instruments. Along with his friend, Benjamin Franklin,
Rittenhouse is considered one of the leading American scientists of
his time.
Rittenhouse knew and made instruments for George Washington, Andrew Ellicott, Thomas Jefferson and others. When Jefferson picked Meriwether Lewis to lead the expedition to explore the west, he sent him to Ellicott to get some training as a surveyor. Andrew Ellicot used instruments made by both Rittenhouse brothers David and Benjamin, in his extensive surveys of the early United States. This reproduction of this famous compass is all American made. Each compass is marked "Rittenhouse", the style is correct, and the striking 8 point star that is common to most Rittenhouse compasses is faithfully reproduced. This is a working compass, capable of the same level of accuracy as the originals. The sights are aligned through the center of the needle pin, and the needle is jeweled and balanced. Each compass is marked on the underside with a serial number, and our company name. This solid brass compass, in its fitted box, or mounted on a tripod, makes an impressive memento of the roots of the profession that built America. Because of the size/weight, a shipping charge of $40.00 will apply to the Compass w/Tripod. This item no longer available. |
The 1/2 Scale Compass
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This compass faithfully matches the full-size Rittenhouse compass.
This is a working 1/2 scale compass which
faithfully matches our full-size Rittenhouse compass, and has the same
working parts. The needle is lifted by a small screw, the sights
remove, and the compass itself can be unclamped from it's base and
rotated or removed. This makes a great gift, perfect for awards or
presentations. A brass plaque is affixed for engraving. (Engraving is
optional)
|
Books
This reprint of the 8th edition published in London in 1768 describes the state of the art at that time. The author, a colonial land surveyor in North Carolina and Jamaica, was aware of the need for a manual and returned to London in 1688 to publish the first edition of this work. The book describes the principal problems of surveying in the New World and then offers a clear description of the instruments and methods of surveying, including geometry, measuring, determining the area of a plot of land, laying out lands and dividing lands, and measuring heights and distances. Hard Cover
| Geodaesia | $24.95 |
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