177

18th Century

EARLY AMERICAN COMPASS

Drycard compass marked for Benjamin King, Newport, Rhode Island. Hardwood case with arms for sites and an oak cover that attaches to case with a leather strap. Handwritten paper label with grid of site measurements affixed to cover. Incised on underside of case "Lemuel Crane 1756". Accompanied by an 18th Century 12-mo. leather-bound navigational volume, which includes calendars dating as early as 1728, a "Table of Difference", instructions on how to use various navigational instruments, etc. Volume missing first eight pages and has period ink inscriptions throughout.
Compass length 15".

  • Provenance:
    According to the consignor, a typewritten note from Francis W. Peterson dated November 2, 1933, indicates the compass had descended in the Crane family since the 1700s before Peterson purchased it in 1923 from a Miss Waltham of Marblehead, Massachusetts, a Crane relative. Peterson then gave it to Nathaniel Rubinkham circa 1933.

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February 24, 2022 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

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