Images(3)

Compass, Surveyor's

Object number2015.3.6 a-i

Artist William J. Young

Date1855-1858

MediumBrass/Glass/Metal/Paper

Credit LineGift of David H. Coe

DescriptionBrass surveyor's compass, or circumferentor with wooden storage box.Dimensions(a) Height 4.5, Width 14.563, Depth 8.125;
(b) Width 6, Length 14.125, Depth 3;
(c) Depth 0.125, Diameter 6.25;
(d) Width 1.625, Length 6.438, Depth 1.625;
(e) Depth 1.125, Diameter 0.875;
(f) Depth 1.125, Diameter 0.938;
(g) Height 6.75, Width 1.063, Depth 1.188;
(h) Height 6.75, Width 1.063, Depth 1.188;
(i) Width 7.5, Length 21.125.
Inscriptions(a) Inside of lid has a piece of paper with printed text in the top left corner describing the equipment, its use, and its care. Piece of paper nailed and pinned to underside of box has handwritten text "From / E.C. Carhart / 1410 Center St., / Wilkinsburg / Pa / To / T.C. Carhart / 1443 Gregory St., / Chicago / Illinois. / To/Helen M. Carhart Coe / To/David H Coe 1989".
(i) Newspaper clipping from "The Daily Post," dated "MBER 13, 1880" on front and "MONDAY....SEPTEMBER 13" on back.
Marks(b) Inscribed text on face of compass has directions, numerals, and "Wm. J. Young / Maker / 3548 / Philadelphia". Various numerals on brass arms.
Historical NotesSurveyor's compass that belonged to Daniel Carhart, founder and first Dean of the School of Engineering at the Western University of Pennsylvania (University of Pittsburgh) from 1882 to 1908. Carhart, a popular teacher at the University, resided in Wilkinsburg on Center Street and his home was a regular visiting place for students. The students referred to him as "Uncle Dan" and he often led the ceremonial parades for the University. He grew up in New Jersey and attended the Polytechnic College of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia where he graduated in 1859 with a degree in civil engineering. The surveying equipment was used by Carhart in his many years employed by the railroads before he taught at the Polytechnic College and eventually at Pitt. The underside of the surveying equipment box has the chain of custody as Elinora Christine Carhart in Wilkinsburg, PA to Thomas Chase Carhart in Chicago, IL to Helen M. Carhart Coe to David H. Coe in 1989.

Previous owner Daniel Carhart

Previous owner Elinora Christine Carhart

Previous owner Thomas Chase Carhart

Previous owner Helen Margaret Carhart Coe

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