The 30 Minute Rule begins September 24 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By September 24 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT
Late 18th-century English cased mahogany pocket surveying compass attributed to Admiral William Bligh and relating to HMS Bounty, consisting of a circular 3˝ dry compass with blued steel needle marked "N" and "S," printed compass card graduated with cardinal points and quarter degrees, and brass locking ring, housed in its original mahogany case measuring 3.5˝ x 3.5˝ x 1˝ with brass hinges and twin swing latches. Affixed to the underside of the hinged lid is an early handwritten ink inscription reading, in full:
“Mutiny of the Bounty / This Compass (given to me by the daughter of Admiral Bligh) was used by the Admiral in finding his way to Land, when he was turned adrift in the Pacific Ocean by the Mutinous Crew of the Bounty. J. B. Toogood.” In very good to fine condition, with a crack to the glass, not affecting operation.
According to the inscription, the compass was given by Admiral William Bligh's daughter to J. B. Toogood and identifies the instrument as the one used by Bligh in finding his way to land after he was set adrift by the mutineers following the April 28, 1789, mutiny aboard HMS Bounty. Led by Acting Lieutenant Fletcher Christian, the mutiny quickly became one of the most famous episodes in naval history, inspiring countless books, films, and historical studies. Cast adrift with 18 loyal men in an open launch, Bligh successfully navigated more than 3,600 nautical miles across the Pacific to Timor in one of the greatest feats of seamanship and open-boat navigation ever recorded.
Provenance: Admiral William Bligh's daughter, as stated in the inscription; J. B. Toogood; Jack B. Toogood family, by direct descent.
