Brass surveyor compass and Gunter's Scale used by John Davis to survey Davidson County (Nashville) in the late 1700s. Brass Compass with engraved eight-point dial, with North indicated by a fleur-de-lis; the outer ring is divided into four 90-degree quadrants; steel directional needle on central brass post. No maker's mark. Retains partial wood cover. Dial 4 1/2" diameter, overall length 12". Wooden Gunter's Scale with incised markings, 24"L; label adhered in the 19th century identifies it as "Gunter's Scale, formerly owned by John Davis, Commissioned Surveyor, Davidson County 1792." Note: This instrument, a precursor of the slide rule, was used by surveyors, mechanics, craftsmen, and even retailers to make logarithmic and trigonometric calculations from the 1600s to the late 1800s. John Davis (1770-1853) fought as an adolescent in the Revolutionary War, and migrated to Tennessee in 1788. He found work surveying the land around Nashville and eventually became a prominent landholder himself. Provenance: the estate of John Davis descendant Sarah Hunter Hicks Green, formerly of Historic Devon Farm, Nashville, Tennessee. CONDITION: Compass: Some expected wear and oxidation to brass arms, dial in good condition, appears in need of recalibration. Scale: some wear and age related oxidation, a few small stains.