Measuring 8 1/2 inches tall and 15 1/2 inches long, brass construction with a fully engraved and silver finished compass face and niter blue magnetic needle, 5 3/4 inches long and a beaded glazed compass cover is 6 3/4 inches in diameter. No makers marks are present on the body or compass face. The compass has the two original sight-vanes, all within a handmade hardwood fitted field case, contemporary to the instrument. An early hand-penned label attached to the top of the compass field case reads, “Surveying Compass used by Robert Lawson and Paul Lawson.” Also included with the compass is a letter addressed to William Guthman, from the Connecticut Historical Society and photocopies from the Lawson Family Genealogy bios from 1903, the latter dates Robert Lawson from 1758-1835. He and his son, Paul, were water sawmill owners and, “principal land surveyors of the town, in Connecticut, Lawson’s Mill", which also identifies Robert as a Revolutionary War veteran and legislator in Connecticut, and his son Paul as a War of 1812 veteran in New London, Connecticut and church deacon, with both men having been surveyors as well.

Good. A mixed aged patina is present on the brass. The compass and sight-vanes have an unpolished field-patina, the compass face retains the silvering and the engraving is very evident. Some components are absent, and the compass needle is frozen in place. The field case is fair, well-worn and well scuffed from use.