~ Civil War Compass ~ U.S.Topographical Engineers ~ 1849-63 ~ For Sale

~ Civil War Compass ~ U.S.Topographical Engineers ~ 1849-63 ~
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~ Civil War Compass ~ U.S.Topographical Engineers ~ 1849-63 ~:
$1400.00

James Green, N.Y. ~ Prismatic Green Card Compass ~ U.S. Topographical Engineers ~ ~ 1849-63 ~
This is a Schmalcalder compass, with folding sight vane, hinged prism, and bright green card. The improvement that C. Schmalcalder patented in 1812 was an important milestone in the development of compass, for it allowed the user to sight anobject and read the compass degrees at the same time. It also measures horizontal angles, for mapping and surveying; may also be used for determining the direction of the True Meridian, the variation determined by comparing the observed azimuth of a celestial object with its true azimuth deduced from observation. When Schmalcalder\'s patent expired, the design was copied by many instrument makers, including those in North America. These proved very popular with explorers, surveyors, and military engineers because of their accuracy and portability. Ideal for military use, they could be carried in a pocket or saddlebag, and used for quick battlefield sketching and mapping. These compasses were used in the exploration of the American West, and in the Civil War, by both Union and Confederate engineers. James Green was born in England in 1808 and moved to the United States around 1832. He first worked in Baltimore, and opened a second shop in New York City in 1849. He made, imported, and sold many types of scientific instruments. When he retired, his nephew Henry J. Green took over his business. The Army Reorganization Act of 1838 created the Corps of Topographical Engineers, as a separate entity within the Army, independent of the Engineering Department. The \"Topogs\", as they were called, were highly skilled and trained at West Point in astronomy, advanced mathematics, surveying....these were men of science....these were the explorers, and map-makers. Mid-way through the Civil War, Congress abolished the Corps as a distinct branch of the Army and merged it back into the Corps of Engineers. Thus, their \"life-span\" was about 25 years.
Description:~ Brass case w/ Lid ~ Lid has vertical knurling~ Diameter 2 7/8\" ~ Ht. 7/8\" ~ Ht. w/ Lid 1\"~ Engraved paper dry card (green in color) ~ Fleur-de-lys at North~ Card divided every 1/2 degree ~ Numbered every 10 degrees (0-360) reverse reading~ Marked on card: U.S. Topogl. Engrs. J. Green, N.Y.~ Brass pivot cap w/ white translucent jeweled bearing~ Backsight ~ Hinged brass-housed prism~ Foresight ~ Folding sight vane ~ Temporary card-stop button at base
Condition: Very clean. Most of the lacquer has worn off the exterior of the case. Crystal is clear with no scratches or dings; compass functions well, including stop button; finds North easily. Please use photos as part of description.
Comment: American green cards, as these are called by collectors, are rare. This one, made for the U.S. Topographical Engineers and so marked, is rarer still.
U.S. Shipping to lower 48 states only: USPS Priority. Small flat rate box... free.
Be happy to answer any questions.
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