Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2006.06.01
- Made by: Hearn & Potter, Toronto, C.W.
- Model: Unknown
- Serial Number: Unknown
- Date Made: Period 1853 to 1857..
- Approximate size: Unknown.
- Accessories: Wooden Box, Brass Cover, Two Brass Sights.
- Condition: Fair
Commentary:
This compass would have been called a circumferentor, as it was made in Canada. Circumferentor is an English term. If similar instruments were manufactured in the USA, they were usually called surveyor’s compasses.
This circumferentor has an adjustable scale that can be set to account for magnetic declination, thus enabling true north readings directly. Compasses that have this feature are called vernier compasses. It is designed to be put on a pole. A removable brass cover protects its face.
“Hearn & Potter Toronto. C.W.” is written its face. Charles Hearn immigrated to Canada in 1853 and immediately started a partnership with William Hearn, a watchmaker and jeweller at 54 King Street in Toronto. The Hearn & Potter partnership dissolved in 1857. Therefore this circumferentor would have been made during the period 1853 to 1857. C.W. stands for Canada West.
Source of Object: This object was part of the orginal Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association collection. Its prior history is unknown.
Notes: The Society has only one in their collection.
References: Visit article Circumferentors – Made in Canada before Confederation for additional information.
Description by: Ed Titanich, October 2, 2024.and Gordon Olsson, November 5, 2025.