An interesting and unusual Thomas Haye compendium of a Surveyor's Compass on one side with a Geometric Square on the other side. Circa 1700. I think this instrument would look fantastic display on a desk.

The Compass and Geometric Square are mounted and engraved on a square plate of brass measuring roughly 5in x 5in. 

The plate is supported by a balljoint and that can be mounted on both sides by three decorative screws. 

The Surveyor's Compass is composed of a very elegant compass nicely engraved and with silvered circle to 0 to 360 degrees. Around the compass are two fixed sights. Interestingly, the sight line up with East - West rather than North - South.

The Geometric Square is engraved with a quarter-circle of 0° to 90°. The quarter circle's center is pierced with a hole for supporting a string and miniature plumb bob (not present). Furthermore, along the square limb, is engraved a shadow square, numbered 0 to 100 then 100 to 0, each division divided in 10.

This side is made for simple measurement of solar or stellar altitude or for simple inclination measurements. The shadow square allows to measure the linear height of an object. The 0 to 100 to 0 scale allows for the use of trigonometry.

Thomas Haye is a little rare but important French instrument maker, mostly famous for his instrument for making sundials, sundials and surveying instruments. Haye wrote a nice book related to sundials. Haye was active in Paris from 1690 to 1720.

 The wooden base and the outer part of the ball joint are modern.

A rare and elegant surveying compendium bearing an important French signature.

Finally, please see my Thomas Haye Maker Webpage for more information about this interesting French Maker.