Formerly owned by noted Philadelphia maker collector Robert Miller, this Thomas Whitney Compass does not have a serial number. Based on all of the Whitney compasses Miller has seen, Miller believes that this compass was made in 1808 or thereabouts. Whitney started putting serial numbers on his instruments in 1810 or so.

This compass is on the small side, featuring a 5.1 inch needle.

Whitney was a prolific maker of high quality instruments. He churned out 40 to 50 instruments a year, and made well over 500 instruments before he passed away in 1823. He seemed to be the first American instrument maker to really focus on producing high quality and affordable instruments in quantities that others could not match. He took a minimalist approach to engraving, which no doubt allowed him to produce more instruments at a lower cost.

Interestingly, one of the most famous makers of instruments, William Young, apprenticed for Thomas Whitney starting in 1813. This compass pre-dates Young's apprenticeship.

This offering includes the compass and box - no staff adapter.