Brass gimbal-mounted compass owned by Capt. Joseph H. Whitmore (Dec. 12 1860 - Mar. 18, 1917). Compass is contained within a stained, possibly pine, box stamped with "brass compass." The box is 6.5" high, 10" wide, and 10" deep. The 6 3/4" diameter compass face includes maker's name (S. Thaxter & Son, Boston), cardinal points, and a decorative marker at the north point. Unlike most othe existing examples from this firm with a fleur-de-lis, this compass's north point is ornamented by a political trophy containing crossed flags -- one with a flying bird and the other the United States stars and stripes flag -- along with a United States shield and fouled anchor.
