PRESENTED is a very rare three legged dolphin binnacle, that is only seen in museums and the most exclusive of private collections.  Very few three legged dolphin binnacles have survived, and those that exist are hidden away in highly specialized collections as in the Trophy Room of the New York Yacht Club where there is one on each side of the Grand Fireplace, and at the New Bedford Whaling Museum which also has two. The Peabody Essex Museum has none.

 

We received from England copies of Heath & Co. Binnacle and Compass Price List, and catalog pages illustrating four ship size and three smaller craft binnacles of this design and their respective prices. The ship size binnacles range in size from 36" to 47" in height. The only difference in the Heath binnacle and this one is the type of lamp used in the two towers. Theirs has a handle.

 

An extraordinary find for some one who is seeking the rare and unusual.

 

THE BINNACLE: is a classic three legged Renaissance dolphin binnacle. They are so rare they are not often pictured in books on nautical antiques. It has three Renaissance style cast bronze legs in the form of a classic dolphin with raised tail. The hood has twin castle tower kerosene burners, one on each side, flanking a large oval shaped glass viewing port. The two burner housings are present, but the burners are missing which is not unusual with old binnacles. There are some minor dents and abrasions from years of use at sea, but this is to be expected. The brass compass tub, and its cover are mounted on the very heavy three legged bronze base which in turn is mounted on a wood base of classic Greek design. There ar are no marks identifying the make, but it easily could have been made by the British firm Heath & Company whose operations date from 1845 and  were appointed as suppliers of navigation instruments to the Admiralty, the War Office, Trinity House and others.

Three magnificient cast bronze dolphins

Two original burner towers

Side View

Early Dry Card compassl

 

APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS: 

 

Height 49 inches with wooden base

Wooden base 4 1/2 inches

Maximum width  23 inches  

Compass Bowl diameter 8 1/4"

Card diameter                 7"

 

ESTIMATED WEIGHT: 70 pounds

 

PROVENANCE: This binnacle was owned by a world famous collector, and published author of marine artifacts, since 1988 and was exhibited both in his public museum, and later his private collection. He purchased it ifrom a collector who had owned it for  twenty preceding years. The binnacle was disassembled and carried as hand baggage on a flight back to the United States. The name of the previous owner will be given to the buyer.

 

THE COMPASS is a very old dry card compass mounted on mica. It beautifully made and housed in a glazed, ornate all brass case. The paper card, mounted on mica, has a fancy fleur-de-lis at the north point over an ornate circular design. The card is divided  into eight Cardinal Points, each of 45 degrees, and then into 1/8 and 1/16th points. Each point subtends an arc of 11 1/4 degrees comprising in total 360 degrees of the compass. It rests on a brass pivot. The compass shows some degradation and may have been originally a telltale design. The card is 7" inches in diameter. It is without markings and may not be the original.

This is a historic binnacle which is rarely found even in books on nautical antiques, and only a few museums have them on display.

Don't miss this opportunity.

 

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original condition and packaging if used only for display. Returns must be insured for their full value. All that is required is a prior email authorization by us for the return. Unfortunately, no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling unless we are at fault.

SHIPPING:  The buyer is responsible for making arrangements for packing and shipping using his own forwarding agent and carrier. If the buyer wishes to use the seller's assistance for shipment, he shall hold seller harmless for any damages or loss arising out of their participation. Nationwide, shipping can be arranged by us through FedEx Freight. The article will be palletized at no additional cost. Contact LDG Delivery Service for shipments to the U.S. East Coast, and certain cities in Michigan, and Indiana. Contact L. Drew Gerard, for quotes. 561-212-7159, Email:  antiquedelivery@aol.com

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers, no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.

Buy this outstanding relic of our maritime heritage Now! What a great addition to your office, den or family room.

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