B65-474 SURVEYOR'S COMPASS. David Rittenhouse. Plain compass, 5-1/2" needle with cam-operating locking collar, brass dial, fleur-de-lis at north and "Rittenhouse Philadelphia" engraved in center; the lack of a first name was typical of David Rittenhouse. Crossed levels and north and south, original and wet, and vial cover. The needle is an improper replacement, and there is one crack at the edge of the glass cover. Box appears original and is worn but intact; includes the sighting vanes and a knob that probably held a mount; Gurley label in lid. David was the older brother of Benjamin Rittenhouse and, like his brother, was a prolific maker of scientific and surveying instruments at the turn of the nineteenth century. The brass is oxidized but undamaged. A beautiful example. From the collection of Chuck Morgan. Good 2000-4000