Rittenhouse knew and made instruments for George Washington, Andrew Ellicott, Thomas Jefferson and others. When Jefferson picked Meriwether Lewis to lead the expedition to explore the west, he sent him to Ellicott to get some training as a surveyor. Andrew Ellicot used instruments made by both Rittenhouse brothers David and Benjamin, in his extensive surveys of the early United States.

Our reproduction of this famous compass is all American made, the brass castings are poured in a local foundry, and are machined in our shop near Ames, New York. Each compass is marked "Rittenhouse", the style is correct, and the striking 8 point star that is common to most Rittenhouse compasses is faithfully reproduced. This is a working compass, capable of the same level of accuracy as the originals. The sights are aligned through the center of the needle pin, and the needle is jeweled and balanced. Each compass is marked on the underside with a serial number, and our company name. This solid brass compass, in its fitted box, or mounted on a tripod, makes an impressive memento of the roots of the profession that built America.

We are now including this unique book, " Historic Surveying " by Jim Daniel with each Rittenhouse surveying outfit free of charge. It  will greatly facilitate the use of the surveyors compass, as well give a greater understanding of methods used in Colonial America.

Link to a Larger Photo
See also: Surveying Book

Rittenhouse Compass: 
5 inch needle, weight: 7-1/2 lbs., length: 13-1/2 inches, height: 8 inches, sights: 6 inches. Each boxed compass includes a plummet. 

Link to a Larger Photo
See also: Surveying Book

Link to a Larger Photo
See also: Surveying Book

A testimony to the accuracy of our instruments...

The University of Akron engineering students of professor Mike Besh won the 2003 ASCE contest in Phoenix, Arizona using an Ames Rittenhouse compass.
The contest was between teams of students using instruments of the Lewis & Clark era.

Some unsolicited comments from a few of our customers...

Ken Lyttle at the instrument; Linda and Joseph Calamari on the chain and Marie Schaller taking notes.

I just received the compass. It is BEAUTIFUL!! I had no idea it would be that nice. Thank you!! This is going to be an excellent addition to the Louisiana Purchase Bicentiennial commemoration in Arkansas.
Mickie Warwick, PLS

I am amazed at both the quality of craftsmanship and meticulous eye for detail. I am exuberantly pleased with the Rittenhouse compass. This well made
instrument should serve for years to come with the surveying programs at
Virginias Explore Park.
Eddie Goode, 18th Century Coordinator, Virginias Explore Park, Roanoke, Virginia.

Just received my Rittenhouse compass and tripod. Beautiful pieces. Cannot
wait to be playing with them.
Robert Nipar

Steve Matz in mixed 1803 period civilian and military dress

I am interested in purchasing another Rittenhouse compass and tripod ( I am teaching several classes on surveying of the Lewis and Clark period and need at least one more)
Stephan E. Matz, Heritage Manager, Salmon-Challis N F.

And below is a partial listing of other organizations and museums using our equipment...

• George Washingtons Birthplace National Monument
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Lewis & Clark Historical Site, Hartford , Illinios
• Greenbank Mill, Wilmington, Delaware
• Arkansas Surveying Society
• Farmers Branch Historical Park, Farmers Branch, Texas
• Lewis & Clark National Historical Trail Visitor Center, Omaha, NE.
• Mount Vernon