RecordSurveyors' compass< 1 of 1 > Back made in Boston, America
Surveyors' compassThis surveyors' compass was made around 1800, probably by Samuel Thaxter (1769-1842) of Boston in America. He was in business from around 1792 and was joined by his son Joseph H. Thaxter (1801-35) in 1822. The compass is made of wood because of the comparative expense of imported brass to the American colonies from Europe. The compass rose is printed 'THAXTER/ MAKER/ head of the Long Wharf/ State Street/ BOSTON', and the protective wooden cover is scratched with an owner's name: 'W. IRVING HALL' and 'MAY 29 1817'. In the American colonies, surveyors found their work difficult as there were no ready landmarks through the dense forests. Prominent compasses are therefore a feature of American surveying instruments. Record detailsTo search on related items, click any linked text below.
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