overall in box: 6 9/16 in x 10 3/8 in x 10 1/4 in; 16.66748 cm x 26.3525 cm x 26.035 cm
Object Name:
Nautical Compass (Dry Card)
Place made:
United States: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Date made:
19th century
Description:
This compass has a wooden bowl gimbal mounted in a wooden box. The paper card has an ornate American eagle with a ribband in its mouth reading "E PLURIBUS UNUM" at north. The inscriptions read "Wm Helffricht. Philadelphia" and "W. H. C. RIGGS, Front near Dock St." This card was probably made for William Davenport. It was used by his successor, William Helffricht. The overlaid signature is that of W. H. C. Riggs, a clock and watch maker in Philadelphia whose firm became W. H. C. Riggs & Son in 1863. On the side of the box is a trade card of Riggs & Brother, who were in business from 1865 to 1901.
