Very Nice L Beckmann Co. Vernier Compass - Circa 1890s

Description

This is very nice vernier compass made by L Beckmann Co.
The compass is a pretty standard  size - 15 inch mainplate and a 5 inch needle.  The sight vanes are 8 inches tall.   The vials have liquid.
I believe this to be circa 1890s based on the serial number of 5737.  The compass could be circa 1900s or so however.   I don't have anything that pegs serial numbers to dates for Beckmann instruments, especially as the serial numbers go higher.  I have seen Beckmanns with serial numbers above 10,000.    Below is a pic from a 1903 Beckmann catalogue which shows an illustration that looks like this compass.
This compass is pretty cool for a couple of reasons.  First, you set the vernier with a little pin wrench.  I don't have the original, but I'm including a spare one I have.  This is the first time I've seen this system.  The vernier system has two clamp screws that require old type skinny screwdriver heads.  I loosened the clamps for now so you can work the vernier system with the included pin wrench.
Second, Beckmann devised a way to reduce the weight of the compass.  Take a look at the pic below that shows the bottom of the compass.  The compass is lighter than other similar sized compasses as a result.  The sight vanes are constructed the same way.
Please see my Louis Beckmann Makers Webpage for more info at: http://compleatsurveyor.com/Makers/LouisBeckmann.html
(Keywords -
Gurley, Berger
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