Antique Robert Merrill Sons Boxed Dry Card Dinghy Compass

divisor line

RARE AMERICAN ROBERT
MERRILL, NEW YORK BOXED DINGHY COMPASS

Robert Merrill Boxed Dinghy Compass image
Showing the comparative size of the Merrill dinghy compass image

This may be a one-of-a-kind small boxed compass with a pedigree of
having been made by a family of early nautical instrument makers with certified credentials. Merrill’s works are
rarely found even in books on nautical antiques, and only a few museums have them on display.

PRESENTED
is a rare and unusual small boat “Dry Card” compass made by the sons of Robert Merrill, a
highly skilled American instrument maker sometime after his death in 1867. Other than for the name on the compass
card there are no other maker’s marks. Its small size is a design for use in small boats such as a tender,
dory or dinghy. Most examples of the works of Robert Merrill and his sons are hidden away in museums and private
collections so this is a special find for some one who is seeking the rare and unusual. The Manhattan Naval Aviation cocktail
glass shown for size comparison is not included.

Robert Merrill boxed compass image
             Old style compass card

THE COMPASS AND BOX: Antique dry card fully gimbaled
compass housed in a spun brass tub which is hung by gimbals in a dove tail wood box with top. The card has
a fancy fleur-de-lis at the north point over an ornate circular design. It is signed at the bottom of the “pointer”
and around the center * R. MERRILL’S SONS * NEW YORK *.

The card is divided  into eight Cardinal Points, each of 45
degrees, and then into 1/8 and 1/16th points. Each point subtends an arc of 11 1/4 degrees comprising in total 360 degrees of
the compass. It rests on a brass pivot with a cap. The compass card which is 3 inches in diameter is in outstanding
condition. There is lubber’s line scribed on the back of the tub when viewed from the front of the box .

Robert Merrill compass card image

CONDITION: The dovetail case shows very minor wear, an age crack or gap on the bottom
which is of no consequence. The varnish has darkened with age over many years. Overall it is in outstanding condition
and rated as “collector quality”.

Showing the spun brass tub of the Merrill compass image
View of closed compass box image
Spun Brass tub of the Merrill Dinghy
Compass shown over the closed box

COMPASS DIMENSIONS:
BOX  5 1/8″ square by 4″
high box
Compass Bowl diameter   3 1/8″
Card diameter
3″
WEIGHT:
1 lbs. 7 oz.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MAKER: Robert Merrill was born in the seafaring town of Newburyport,
Massachusetts in 1804. He first set up business as a “mathematical instrument maker” in New York in 1835 with a
partner, William Davis at 36 Oak St. in New York City. In 1840 Merrill began business under his own name, first at 255 Front
Street, NYC, continuing until 1865 when he took his sons into partnership, and the firm name changed to “Robert Merrill
& Sons. Their first location was 149 Maiden Lane in NYC. Merrill was noted for making binnacles and compasses, and also
imported and sold nautical instruments such as quadrants and sextants. His works are on display in museums, and there are
extensive listings of him and his sons in the Webster Instrument Makers Database. He is thought to have died in 1867.

divisor line
Shipping & Packaging

The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated point to point and is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

Our Unconditional 'No Nonsense' Guarantee

If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are refundable if due to our error within the continental United States.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers worldwide.

Standard Forms of Payment

Bank wire transfer, cashier’s check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to us so that the use of credit cards or PayPal incur extra charges. Terms on overseas sales are different.

Established in 2003

Celebrating 18 Years of Exellence in Nautical Antiques

Join Our Mailing List


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Land and Sea Collection. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact