I LOVE this compass. I've actually toyed with the idea of keeping it.

Formerly owned by noted Philadelphia maker collector Robert Miller, this Thomas Whitney Compass carries serial number 559, and has the year 1823 stamped under the socket. This appears to be one of the last instruments Whitney made before passing away in 1823. The latest known Whitney serial number is 568

This compass is BIG, featuring a 6.1 inch needle. Miller recorded 51 Whitney compasses, and this is the only Whitney compass with a 6 inch needle or bigger needle.

In addition to its size, this compass has some VERY neat features. Note the sliders that cover the level vials. What a GREAT idea. Whitney and a few other Philly makers would occasionally use sliders like this. Also note how the sight vanes are custom made to fit a level vial on the South side and the counter on the North side.

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. I believe that Young worked for Whitney until Whitney passed away, so this instrument was very likely made by Young.