This is an original 1840 Pocket Dry Compass with paper insert and brass case.  Travelers of the 1800s required a compass to be certain of destination.  Many of these treasures were made by Robert Merrill a prominent maker of compasses for personal and sailing boat navigation beginning in 1840s.  It is unsigned but shows the detail to paper and spun brass case are an intricate to detail of the period.  It is made of spun brass with lid, 3.25” diameter 1.25” depth.  This is truly a museum piece with amazing provenance that will highlight any professional collection of antique compasses.