Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Compass, Surveyor's |
Catalog Number |
1937.18 |
Maker |
Chandlee, Benjamin Jr. |
Date |
1787 |
Material(s) |
Brass; wood |
Dimensions |
H-15 W-3.5 D-5.5 inches |
Description |
Part A is the compass itself. The compass is made up of a large dial that has been engraved with an eight sided star. The north point has an elaborate fleur-de-lis motif. The alternating four points also appear to have a similar floral motif. At each point on the star there is a compass direction. There are degrees engraved along the lip of the liat in four 90 degree quadrants. The compass has too long bars extending out its north and south points. At the center there are three metal points where the compass needles once stood. Attached at the base of the compass there is tubing where the post would once stand. Part B and C are the two arms that are screwed on both of the two arms with metal knobs. Each have a small opining within a split down the middle. Part D is the brass lid that is would physically reside between the top wooden lid and the compass face. Part E and F are both the top and bottom portions of the wooden case. The bottom is part E, and is a flat wooden structure with a plain cut in the middle where the arms would rest and a hole cut out in the center were the tubing post pulls through. Part F is the lid. The underside is hollowed out in the center and the sides in order to allow for the compass to sit while at rest. The topside is a smooth rounded surface with "WT/1787" carved into the top piece. |
Notes |
Benjamin Chandlee, Jr. of Nottingham, Maryland (1723-1791) was a clock and instrument maker. His son, Goldsmith Chandlee apprenticed under Benjamin and is noted for making fine compasses by order. This compass was used by William Berry Taylor, an early settler of Shelby County, now Oldham County. Taylor was the donor's great, great grandfather. |
Collection |
Alice Taylor Collection |
People |
Chandlee, Benjamin Jr. Taylor, William Berry |
Subjects |
Compasses Measurement Measures Measuring Surveying Surveying equipment Surveying instruments Surveyors |
Search Terms |
Shelby County (Ky.) Oldham County (Ky.) Nottingham (Md.) |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |