RARE AMERICAN ROBERT MERRILL, NEW YORK BOXED DINGHY COMPASS   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.              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 .      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".                   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. FLAT RATE SHIPPING to 48 contiguous States $35.00 OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase, it may be returned, if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer within the continental United States and are refundable if due to our error. International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, Republic of China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Hebrides (Vanuatu), New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI, Vanuatu (New Hebrides) and the Eastern Caribbean. Copyright 2016 Land And Sea Collection™. All Rights Reserved!