|
|
KELVIN, BOTTOMLEY & BAIRD -
SIR WILLIAM THOMSON
GIANT SHIPS THREADED
COMPASS ~ Ca 1900 |
|
Guaranteed “ Extra Fine”
Your chance to get a very rare piece of maritime history with a pedigreed
history of historic men and companies
|
PRESENTED IS A VERY IMPORTANT ENGLISH DRY CARD COMPASS made by
Kelvin, Bottomley & Baird. It is based on a design of a light weight dry compass card invented by Sir William Thomson,
later Lord Kelvin of Largs. The huge compass is housed in a large bowl with bronze bezel, brass upper structure and lead crystal
lower containment which holds oil as a ballast to keep the compass card level. The crystal is acid etched with the original
maker's name, Kelvin & James White. The later was Kelvin's original partner from the time he began his first experiments
with the magnetic compass which made him famous. See the history below.
This compass is a larger version of the one that was from the Clipper Ship Flying Cloud that
was offered at auction by Bonham's Nautical Auction in 2004 for $8000.00
It is the only the second compass of this type that we have ever seen that was made to the Thomson
design by anyone other than James White of Kelvin-White or Henry Hughes & Company which was the last Kelvin organization
before it became Kevin-Hughes. However, the design of this compass of Kelvin, Bottomley & Bard dates back to about 1903,
and was likely made around 1913 well before Kelvin- Hughes was formally merged into Henry Hughes & Sons in 1947, and much
later into Smith Industries. We suggest that it was made in 1913. (See company's history below)
THE CARD: The card is made from beautifully engraved
paper engraved with an elaborate Fleur des Lis at the North point with the number 958 on its side. The paper is cut, approximately
every 20 degrees to allow for it to be suspended from the center pivot point by silk thread which are attached to six magnetized
needles.
The compass rose shows the eight cardinal points and is further divided to 1/16 points and then
to 32. On the outer perimeter are degrees that are graduated fro 0 to 90 degrees for each quadrant. It measures 6 inches in
diameter and has a finely made aluminum center cap which was a very expensive metal at that time.
This complex arrangement was supposed to reduce drag and make the compass less sensitive to the
pitching, rolling and course variations of a ship.
COMPASS BOWL: The bowl is made from a bronze containment
at the top with a lead crystal bowl below. It is mounted to a contemporary Mahogany display stand.
There is a lubber's line with arrow that marks the course to which the ship's head is pointing.
There is a bronze bezel with two holders that accept the pinions of the compass bowl and serve as the means of attaching it
to the display stand. There is no box with this compass.
CONDITION: The compass card, bowl, bezel
and compass card are in exceptionally condition. The compass operates accurately.
DIMENSIONS:
Diameter of bowl 11 1/4" Diameter
of card 10"
Depth of bowl 7" |
BASE: 14” L x 10” W x 3/4” T Weight complete 18.5 Lbs |
|
Fleur des Lis North pointer and card size | |
|
|
View showing lead balance weight top center | |
|
This important
compass should appeal to a collector seeking only the most unusual and best for a world class collection.
BRIEF HISTORY OF INVENTOR:
William Thomson (1824-1907), Lord Kelvin of Largs
William Thomson was a mathematical
physicist, engineer in the physical sciences of the 19th century. He did work in the mathematical analysis of electricity
and thermodynamics, and did much to unify the emerging discipline of physics in its modern form. He is widely known for developing
the Kelvin scale of absolute temperature measurement. In 1892, the title Baron Kelvin was given in honour of his achievements,
and named after the River Kelvin, which flowed past his university in Glasgow, Scotland.
He also enjoyed a second career
as a telegraph engineer and inventor, a career that propelled him into the public eye and ensured his wealth, and, fame and
is widely known in the marine industry for his work on the magnetic compass.
MARINE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
& COMPANY HISTORY: Thomson was an enthusiastic yachtsman, his interest in all things relating to the sea.
Thomson introduced a method of deep-sea
sounding, in which a steel piano wire replaces the ordinary land line. The wire glides so easily to the bottom that "flying
soundings" can be taken while the ship is going at full speed. A pressure gauge to register the depth of the sinker was added
by Thomson.
About the same time he revived the
Sumner method of finding a ship's place at sea, and calculated a set of tables for its ready application. He also developed
a tide predicting machine.
During the late 1870's, Thomson
worked to perfect the adjustable compass in order to correct errors arising from magnetic deviation owing to the increasing
use of iron in naval architecture. Thomson's design was a great improvement on the older instruments, being steadier and less
hampered by friction, the deviation due to the ship's own magnetism being corrected by movable masses of iron at the binnacle.
Thomson's innovations involved much detailed work to develop principles already identified by George Biddell Airy and others
but contributed little in terms of novel physical thinking. His energetic lobbying and networking proved effective in gaining
acceptance of his instrument by The Admiralty.
The origins of this compass
lie in the highly successful, but informal, relationship between William Thomson (1824-1907), Professor of Natural Philosophy
at Glasgow University from 1846-1899 and James White, a Glasgow optical maker. James White (1824-1884) founded the firm of
his name, in Glasgow in 1850. White was involved in supplying and repairing apparatus for Thomson's university laboratory
and working with him on experimental models. Thompson had a long association with James White.
From 1876, White was producing compasses for metal ships to Thomson's design.
White was also involved in the production of Thomson's other designs for laying cables at sea. White's association with Thomson
continued until he died, and their company continued as Kelvin-White.
In 1884 Kelvin raised most of the capital needed to construct and
equip new workshops in Cambridge Street, Glasgow. At the Cambridge Street premises, the company continued to make the compass
Thomson had designed during the 1870s and to supply it in some quantity, especially to the Admiralty. At the same time, the
firm became increasingly involved in the design, production and sale of electrical apparatus.
In 1899, Lord Kelvin resigned from his University chair and became, in
1900, a director in the newly formed company, Kelvin & James White Ltd which incorporated the business of James White.
At the same time, Kelvin's nephew, James Thomson Bottomley (1845-1926), joined the firm.
Kelvin & James White Ltd underwent a further change of name in
1913, becoming Kelvin Bottomley & Baird Ltd. Following the formal amalgamation of In 1947, Kelvin, Bottomley & Baird
Ltd and Henry Hughes & Sons Ltd combined to form Kelvin & Hughes Ltd., and in 1964 became a part of Smith's Industries
Ltd.
Some marine historians portray Thomson as a man of undoubted
talent and enthusiasm, with some genuine knowledge of the sea, who managed to parlay a handful of modest ideas in compass
design into a commercial monopoly for his own manufacturing concern, using his exulted personal reputation to repel even small
claims of originality from others, and persuading the Admiralty and the law to overlook both the deficiencies of his own design
and the virtues of his competitors. Edited
and corrected from Wkiipedia and other sources.
BRIEF HISTORY OF HENRY HUGHES & SONS:
Henry Hughes & Sons was founded in 1838 in London as a maker of chronographic and scientific instruments. The firm was
incorporated as Henry Hughes & Sons Ltd in 1903 and in 1923, the company produced its first recording echo sounder. In
1935, a controlling interest in the company was acquired by S. Smith & Son Ltd resulting in the development of marine
and aircraft instruments. Following the London office's destruction in the Blitz of 1941, a collaboration was entered into
with Kelvin, Bottomley & Baird Ltd, resulting in the establishing of Marine Instruments Ltd. Following the formal amalgamation
of Kelvin, Bottomley & Baird Ltd and Henry Hughes & Sons Ltd in 1947 to form Kelvin & Hughes Ltd, Marine Instruments
Ltd acted as regional agents in the UK for Kelvin & Hughes Ltd who were essentially now a part of Smith's Industries Ltd
founded in 1944 as the successors of S. Smith & Son Ltd. The well known
"HUSUN" trademark was in use starting in the 1920s.
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. 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.
International
buyers welcome, but inquire first.
We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China,
Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand,
Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland,
Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern
Caribbean.
SHIPPING & PACKING:
The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, is an additional charge. You may email us to get
these costs. We price our very special packing and shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost
of packaging materials and handling.
|
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 very
special pedigreed relic of maritime history Now! What a great find for that special person who can appreciate only the best!
Copyright 2012 - 2011 by Land And Sea Collection™,
All Rights Reserved |
|
|
This Rare Binnacle Compass Has Been Sold. Thank You!
HISTORIC LORD KELVIN, JAMES WHITE COMPASS AND PRESENTATION
BINNACLE IN SUPERB CONDITION
 |
|
Your chance to get a museum quality historic compass with a means of
displaying it in an impressive brass binnacle tub. This binnacle is perfect for the serious collector or as a focal
point in your decor.
|
|
Presented is one of the rarest compasses in the world in unparalleled like new condition.
It is the design that made William Thomson, (1824-1907), then a Glasgow University professor famous. After a year and one
half of trails and testing, Sir William took out his first patent on a compass in March, 1876. The success of his design quickly
lead to the adoption of the compass and binnacle by all the world's navies.
The essential features of the compass as specified in the patent called for a very light paper
card with a thin aluminium rim connected to the pivot point by silk threads. In this way, the weight was thrown to the outside
giving a long period of oscillation. Being extremely light there was little friction. The weight of a 9" card was only 104
grams compared to 1500 grams for the Admiralty's standard 7 1/2" card. A glass bowl which formed the compass chamber
was filled with oil which added horizontal stability and dampening.
Accompanying the compass is a fine quality hardwood case, and a custom made brass tub Victorian
style pedestal binnacle, mounted on three lion's caw feet. The brass tub shows some service marks with some
minor dents and abrasions, but nothing of significance. It has just been polished and lacquered for your enjoyment.
This wonderful piece is a historic example of the first advance in compass design in
centuries as conceived by William Thomson, i.e. Lord Kelvin who is considered the father of the modern compass as
well as other late 19 century innovations in technical products and procedures.
The polished brass binnacle in which it is displayed is perfect
for brining attention to this important nautical artifact.
DIMENSIONS:
Binnacle tub
16" H x 23" W x 14" D
Compass card 9 1/2" Diameter
Compass
Bowl 11 1/4" Diameter
Wood case
12 1/4 L x 12 1/4 W x 9 1/4" H
Total Weight 55
pounds approx.
|
|
|
|
Engraved frosted glass bowl with oil ballast | |
|
HISTORY: The origins of this compass lie in the highly
successful, but informal, relationship between William Thomson (1824-1907), Professor of Natural Philosophy at Glasgow
University from 1846-1899 and James White, a Glasgow optical maker. James White (1824-1884) founded the firm of his
name, in Glasgow in 1850. He was involved in supplying and repairing apparatus for Thomson's university laboratory and
working with him on experimental models. By 1854, White was already producing electrical instruments - electrometers
and electrical balances - from Thomson's designs.
In 1870, White was largely responsible for equipping Thomson's laboratory
in the new University premises at Gilmorehill. From 1876, he was producing accurate compasses for metal ships to Thomson's
design, and this became an important part of his business in the last years of his life. He was also involved in the production
of sophisticated sounding machinery that Thomson had designed to address problems encountered in laying cables at sea. At
the same time, he continued to make a whole range of more conventional instruments such as telescopes, microscopes and surveying
equipment. White's association with Thomson continued until he died, but without any legal deeds of co-partnery
After his death, his business continued under the same name. Thomson, who became
Sir William Thomson and then Baron Kelvin of Largs in 1892, continued to maintain his interest in the business after White's death.
In 1884 he raised most of the capital needed to construct and equip new workshops in Cambridge Street, Glasgow. At the Cambridge
Street premises, the company continued to make the compass Thomson had designed during the 1870s and to supply it in
some quantity, especially to the Admiralty. At the same time, the firm became increasingly involved in the design, production
and sale of electrical apparatus.
In 1899, Lord Kelvin resigned from his University chair and became, in 1900, a director
in the newly formed company, Kelvin & James White Ltd which incorporated the business of James White.
At the same time, Kelvin's nephew, James Thomson Bottomley (1845-1926), joined the firm.
Kelvin & James White Ltd underwent a further change of name in
1913, becoming Kelvin Bottomley & Baird Ltd. Following the formal amalgamation of In 1947, Kelvin, Bottomley
& Baird Ltd and Henry Hughes & Sons Ltd combined to form Kelvin & Hughes Ltd., and in 1964 became
a part of Smith's Industries Ltd.
International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We
have satisfied customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, England, France, Germany,
Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia,
Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
SHIPPING: It is recommended that the binnacle be disassembled
and shipped in two cartons to save on cost. Doing this, using FedEx Ground to Los Angles will only be around $150.00 including
packing and insurance. 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 facilities for shipment, he shall hold seller harmless for any
damages or loss arising out of shipment.
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.
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.
Don't pass up this once in a lifetime opportunity. Buy this very impressive historic binnacle Now! What a great addition
to your office, den or family room.
|
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 credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.
Copyright 2006, Land And
Sea Collection, All rights reserved | |
|
|
