Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Compass, Surveyor's |
Catalog Number |
2003.40.1 |
Maker |
Nairne, Edward |
Date |
ca. 1770 |
Material(s) |
Brass/Glass/Wood |
Dimensions |
H-7.875 W-16.25 D-7.5 inches |
Description |
This is William Calk's surveyor's compass. The compass consists of a brass body (part a) with pair of removable sighting vanes secured by thumb-screws to arms projecting from the compass dial. There is a socket for a Jacob's staff on the base. The elaborately engraved compass rose on the dial appears to be nickel. The compass has a glass crystal. The inner ring of the dial is marked in quadrants of 90 degrees while the outer ring is marked in 360 degrees. The needle is suspended on a spring arm that is adjusted with thumb-screw. The compass comes with the original wooden case (part b) that features a wrought iron hook and eye arrangement on each arm. |
Notes |
This was manufactured by London instrument maker Edward Nairne (1726-1806). According to family tradition, William Calk (1749-1823) helped survey the new town of Boonesborough, as described in his journal entries for April 21-22, 1775. Richard Henderson, leader of the land company that owned the town, named one of the new avenues Calk Street in his honor. Calk later became a deputy surveyor in the counties of Fayette, Madison, and Bourbon. |
Collection |
Calk Family Collection |
People |
Calk, William, 1740-1823 |
Subjects |
Surveying Surveying equipment Surveyors Pioneers |
Search Terms |
Boonesborough (Ky.) Early Kentucky settlers Clark County (Ky.) |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |