SURVEYORS TRANSIT COMPASS American Brass Verniers Compass Meneely & Oothout 1830

Description

Rare early 19th century American brass surveyor's Venier's or transit compass in the original fitted wooden case or storage box. Made by Meneely & Oothout* of West Troy, New York. This instrument is made of high quality brass with a glass window on the compass, which is protected by a brass cover. All the fitting are included with the exception of one level vial which is missing.
This is a beautiful and rare piece of early 19th century American engineering/surveying equipment.
Age: C1830
Size: 15 3/4" (length of entire compass); 17 1/2" x 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" (case)
Weight: 14.5 pounds (unpacked)
Condition: compass is in good condition with one level vial missing; case is "as found"
*"Andrew Meneely was born at West Troy (Gibbonsville) New York in 1802 and died in 1851.  At the age of 15 or 16, he apprenticed under Julius Hanks of West Troy to learn the trade of casting bells and manufacturing mathematical instruments.   On January 1, 1836 Meneely took Jonas Volkat Oothout as a partner. For a few years the business was carried on under the firm name of Meneely & Oothout. Mr. Oothout retired in 1838 and Andrew Meneely continued the business. Jonas Oothout was born in West Troy, New York in 1814 and died there in 1860."