Pocket Compass ID’d To The Steamer Memphis SOLD

Description

Pocket Compass ID’d To The Steamer Memphis, and in period ink on the back reads, “Str. Memphis /St. L. & M. Pkt. Co. / 1861.” The small pocket sized compass is made of mahogany with brass hinges, and a simple hook closure. The interior is a plain compass with printed directional symbols and a compass needle that still retains some of its original blued finish. The paper and needle have been stained and rusted by water damage. The original glass dial is held in place with a thin brass friction ring.

My attempts to research this steamer and the company, have been most difficult. There were two companies, both similarly named with just the city names juxtaposed. I found no steamboat with the “Memphis” name only, just the “City of Memphis” which belonged to a different company altogether. The list of boats is endless, and not conclusive.

River boating was a lucrative business for most major waterways in the U.S. in the early to later 19th Century, and the number of companies listed is also exhaustive. Also the numbers of steam or riverboat accidents and sinkings are far too commonplace. Sand bars, fire, collision, treacherous underwater obstacles, and Civil War combat contributed to the loses. Like abitis to oncoming cavalry, embedded logs having flowed down river and fixed like a natural fortification in the sandy river bottom would impale any oncoming boat.  This might be a possible reason for the water damage of this compass. Obviously this item would float easily and could be recovered from any water hazard.

A tad larger than 2.5 inches square, and 9/16″ high,

The condition of the mahogany is very good, and water damage already stated. The ink has washed out some, but clear enough to read.

A great riverboat item from the Civil War era.  Have fun researching.