This vernier compass is a really nice example of a post-Civil War surveying instrument made in Tennessee. There were very few instruments makers based in Southern states, so compasses and transit made in the South 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. The level vials hold liquid, and the needle lifter works. The vernier system works as well.
The compass has a pleasing patina to my eye. All thumbscrews appear to be original. The only issue of note - the South sight vane appears to have a slight bow to it.

This compass feels heavy and solidly made.

My favorite thing about the compass - the folding sight vanes. I don't come across full-size compass with folding sight vanes very often. And the vanes on this compass look and work great. Adolph didn't skimp on the brass when making these vanes.

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