September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
Manufactured by one of the most well known American instrument makers of the period, Goldsmith Chandlee. Goldsmith (1751-1821) was the son of exceptional American and Quaker clockmaker Benjamin Chandlee (1723-1794). Goldsmith made instruments and clocks out of his Winchester, Virginia shop, and is well known for making quality pieces. This is a transitional model surveyor's compass manufactured circa 1795-1803 by Goldsmith Chandlee with mounting staff and surveyor's chain. This brass bodied compass has a nickel silver face with directions hand engraved as well as maker marked, and fleur de lis decoration on North. Complete with counter and L-T table (L is for links, T is for tenths). CONDITION: Compass is excellent for its age, turned a freckled mellow patina. Compass face is excellent, with markings legible and light patina forming, most offensive near "NW" direction marking. Glass is clear, with minor handling marks throughout. Mounting staff is very good, with wear consistent with use during the period. Chain is in commensurate condition. Compass counter is mechanically fine. It is worth noting that a similar example also built by Goldsmith Chandllee was appraised by Antiques Roadshow in 2008 for $20,000-25,000. An attractive early American Circumferentor from the Federal Period by a desirable maker.