This vernier compass is a really nice example of a pre-Civil War surveying instrument made in Kentucky. There were very few instruments makers based in Southern states, so compasses and transit made in the South prior to the Civil War pop up for sale infrequently.

Adolph Tiensch had an interesting history of instrument making - born in Germany, immigrated to the US as a young man, trained in Ohio, and then moved to Louisville around 1850. He stayed in Louisville for about 10 years and then moved to Memphis Tennessee, where he lived the rest of his life. You can read more about Adolph Tiensch at my Tiensch Makers Webpage.

This compass is 15 inches long, and has a 5 inch needle. Note that there is some rust on the needle, which you can see in the pictures below.

The level vials hold liquid, and the needle lifter works. The vernier system works although it is almost frozen. The compass could use a good cleaning and a bit of lubricant.

The patina is ok to my eye, although a bit inconsistent. All thumbscrews appear to be original.

This compass has a very solid feel to it.

Given the scarcity of instruments made in the South, early Southern made instruments (especially those made in Kentucky) often sell at a premium compared to comparable instruments made in the North or Midwest.