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Oscar Hanks Bow Compass - Circa Early 1840s - Known Owner

Oscar Hanks Bow Compass - Circa Early 1840s - Known Owner

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Oscar Hanks Bow Compass - Circa Early 1840s - Known Owner

About the Item

The wonderful 1840s surveying bow compass offered here is a uniquely designed and patented American instrument. Julius Hanks designed and patented this compass in the early 1830s, while his son, Oscar Hanks, manufactured the bow compasses in Troy NY during the mid 19th century. The silvered compass dial is signed by engraving, “O. Hanks Troy NY.” The instrument stands over an impressive 19″ tall on a lathe-turned stand. The bow is over 11″ in diameter and the needle is approximately 5.25″ in length. The button-weighted Hanks needle is a very unique form; the nonius or vernier that is affixed to the end of the needle allows for reading minutes, or portions of a degree. The instrument is a Railroad or Improved form, meaning there are double plates and both the needle ring and and the lower plate are divided in 360 degrees. This allows for the recording of angles independent of the needle (which was necessary whenever iron was present). The engraved compass plate has two imbedded bubble vials and an opening to expose the lower circle, adjacent to a bevel-cut with a vernier. The original owner, Henry N Thielsen, was a civil engineer from about 1840 to 1860. I suspect Thielsen acquired the Hanks bow compass early in the 1840s. Thielsen has a non-surveying claims to fame. He wrote several letters to Abe Lincoln urging Lincoln to try to end the civil war thru mediation, and the Library of Congress has preserved both of these letters.. A short two page letter to Abe is shown below. A much longer 17 page letter from Thielsen to Abe can be found in the Library of Congreess online system. As indicated in the newspaper ad pic below, Hanks offered the bow compass with various options, and prices ranged from $40 to $100. The bow compass offered contained most of the options offered – including being able to measure angles independently of the needle (like a Railroad Compass) and a vernier attached to the end of the needle. This bow compass would look wonderful on display, especially given its uniquely American look and rather interesting original owner. Keywords: Surveyor, Surveying, Theodolite, Transit, Circumferentor, Semicircle, Level, Graphometer, Graphometre, Teodolite, Arpenteur

Dimensions:
Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Engraved
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1840-1849
Date of Manufacture:
Circa Early 1840s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Everything works on this compass, and the compass is in VERY nice condition. The compass, the original signed box, and the lathe-turned stand are included in the sale.
Seller Location:
Placerville, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU9222236289672

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