April 1, 2024
Rare Benjamin Rittenhouse 1786 Surveyors Brass Compass in Wooden Box
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Extremely Rare Benjamin Rittenhouse Brass Surveyors Compass Signed in riband "Benjamin Rittenhouse Fecit 1876" 8 point rose with hatched engraving Blue Steel Needle Gold face measures 6.75" across Oxidation to brass Intact bubble level Total level measures 15" across Box may not be original and has a hole Benjamin Rittenhouse (1740–1825) was born in Norriton, Pennsylvania, and probably learned to make clocks and compasses from his older brother, David Rittenhouse. He served as Superintendent of the American gunlock factory in Philadelphia during the Revolution, and returned to his house in Worcester Township after the war. The Pennsylvania Packet for May 14, 1785, published the following notice: WANTED, An ingenious Lad not exceeding 14 years of age, of a reputable family, as an Apprentice to learn the Art and Mistery of making Clocks and Surveying Instruments. Any lad inclining to go an apprentice to the above Trade, the terms on which he will be taken may [be] known by enquiring of Mr. David Rittenhouse, in Philadelphia, or at the subscriber’s house in Worcester township, Montgomery county. Benjamin Rittenhouse. Benjamin Rittenhouse was the most prolific compass maker working in America in the late 18th century, and some three dozen of his instruments are now known. Those with only his signature date from the period
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