Circa 1790, a brass mount supports an engraved eight-point dial marked "F. Heisely Fredk. Town," with North being indicated by a fleur-de-lis; the outer ring is divided into four 90-degree quadrants; the steel directional needle rests upon a brass post; includes dial cover and a socket for fitting the instrument onto a surveyor's tripod.




14 in. x 6.25 in.

Frederick Heisely (1759 - 1843), a Pennsylvanian, survived Revolutionary War service to become an accomplished clock and instrument maker based in Frederick Town (Frederick), Maryland. In 1793 Heisely relocated to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, settling permanently in Harrisburg by 1811.


Maryland-made Heisely compasses are held by the Smithsonian Institution and, of course, the Museum of Frederick County History.

Original untouched brass surfaces throughout; hairline fractures to the dial glass.

$800 - 1,200