Vintage Brass Ship's Binnacle with Compass

Item Details

A vintage brass ship’s binnacle with inset compass. The ship’s binnacle traditionally sat forward of a sailing ship’s main steering wheel, to hold the ship’s compass and other pieces of equipment. This brass example features two vertically stacked windows to the front, the lower of which can be opened to reveal the ship’s compass, laying flat. Two stovepipes flank the windows, and a worn brass plate reads ‘V.C. Compass’ and the number 01198. Two iron balls on wings to each side establish magnetic neutrality, preventing any iron tools kept within the binnacle from interfering with the compass. The binnacle stands on a wooden cylinder, with a small door to access storage, an inset European-style plug, and a brass shield bearing the nameplate of Kelvin, Bottomley & Baird, Ltd., of Glasgow and London.

Condition

- some tarnish to brass; distressed finish with streaks of discoloration; several dents to brass; compass appears inaccurate.

Dimensions

Item #

18BOS033-029