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18th Century Compasses

Finely-engraved brass compasses from the 18th century are highly collectible by colonial instrument enthusiasts. In the early years of the colonies, high-quality compasses were manufactured in Great Britain for export to America. Initially crafted by goldsmiths, these compasses were rare, expensive and beyond the reach of cash-strapped colonial seamen and surveyors. Homegrown entrepreneurs soon began turning out instruments that often surpassed the quality of those available from abroad.

Renowned Makers
- There were many compass makers in the American colonies, most of whom produced them as a sideline to other businesses such as goldsmithing. Their names remain largely unknown. In larger cities located on or near the Atlantic Ocean, several specialists arose. Compasses made by David and James Rittenhouse, Anthony Lamb, Thomas Briggs, Aaron Breed, Benjamin Condy and James Ham are highly valued among collectors. As a side note, Paul Revere is credited with producing engraving plates for printing of the paper cards used to depict directions on the devices.
  
  Before Revolution, most were manufactured in Great Britain and exported to the colonies. New York, Boston, Philadelphia.
Materials
- Wood, brass, paper and glass were the major materials used in producing 18th century compasses. Wood was more plentiful than metal in many areas and was the material of choice in New England, the origin of the earliest American examples. Brass was used for the metal components because it is nonmagnetic. Later compasses were almost entirely constructed of brass because of its superior durability. Those constructed by the renowned compass-makers in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia were often intricately engraved and quite ornamental.
  
  The printed cards placed under the glass compass faces were often just as ornate. In addition to points of the compass, landscapes and figures decorated the cards. Elaborate compass cards often increase the value of an 18th century specimen.
Users
- Sailing and navigation are closely associated with compasses. Ornately engraved brass examples from this period were often the property of prosperous sea captains. But others relied on less-expensive designs. During the colonization of America, accurate property lines assumed a growing importance as the population increased. Surveyors demanded high-quality compasses when laying out boundaries. The earliest American-made wooden compasses from New England were meant to overcome the scarcity of rare and expensive English-made brass instruments available to surveyors.
Value
- Compasses from this period of American history can be quite valuable. Specimens in good condition are worth in the tens of thousands of dollars. Factors affecting value include overall condition, excellence of workmanship and intricacy of design. Compasses bearing the mark of a well-known maker bring the highest prices.

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