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IMPORTANT ANTIQUE MUSHROOM TWIN BURNER SAILING SHIP
BINNACLE CA 1850
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Presented is an early classic binnacle
with a rarely seen mushroom style twin burner hood which was popular on sailing vessels of
the Mid 1800's. The mushroom style hood has its original twin lamp burners in towers, one on each side of the
hood. The compass is viewed though an elliptical glass opening secured by a rolled metal rim . Arms
on either side hold twin iron balls called quadrantal correctors, which have been copper plated for appearance.
The use of correctors was invented by James Thomson, later Lord Kelvin in the 1870's to reduce the affects of the
ship's magnetic field (deviation) on the compass. The compass has a very old style
card which is only marked in Compass Points. It is lighted at night by the original Barton Burners which are marked Birmingham
which is in England.
PROVENANCE: The prior owner purchased
this binnacle 36 years ago in New York, and was told that it came from a Portuguese naval vessel that was captured
by the British 150 years ago. The British were said to have renamed the ship HMS Inverness. The ship was eventually iron clad and eventually stripped of its gear and sank in South
America. Some of its gear was brought to the United States. In this process the original compass was lost. There is
no documentation supporting this, and we can not find any record of an HMS Inverness. However, the binnacle speaks for
itself, and one very similar was fitted to HMS DART in service from 1860 to 1884 and is pictured below. Note
that in DART"S case a Flinders tube to hold the bar is fitted on the back of the binnacle, and the lamps are missing from
their holders.
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HMS DART: Similar binnacle to the right. This one has a Flinders tube on its back |
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Furthermore, the construction of this binnacle clearly indicates it was not originally
intended for
a metal clad vessel since there are no internal magnets or a Flinders bar, and the quadrantal
corrector
brackets look like a later addition.
The compass in this binnacle is a later version
of what was likely installed originally. It is the famous James Thomson - Lord Kelvin, threaded compass card that was
introduced around 1870 with the assistance of James White. Kelvin & James White collaborated under a number
of business names and in 1913, became Kelvin Bottomley & Baird Ltd. In 1947, they merged with Henry Hughes &
Son forming Kelvin & Hughes, Ltd. This one is marked Kelvin & Hughes, Ltd within the north pointing Fleur
de Lis, and Kelvin Bottomley & Baird Ltd on the bottom of the white paper insert. Compasses like this are very rare,
and command premium prices.
THE CARD: North is marked by an elaborate Fleur
de lis as the North pointer. The compass rose shows the eight cardinal points and is further divided to 1/16 points and
then to 32. It measures 10 inches in diameter and has a brass center housing with a gravity fit. Degrees
are indicated on the outer perimeter from 0 to 359, and are again inscribed on the compass' bezel. The construction is
of paper and thread which are glued together forming the card. This simple arrangement makes the compass have a sensitive
gimbal action, and when placed on the top of a pencil and tipped, the compass will rock for several seconds while it seeks
North and comes to rest!
CONDITION OF BINNACLE: Considering
its age and use at sea for many years, this
handsomely made antique binnacle with its impressive spun brass
mushroom style hood is
in excellent condition overall. Expect to find some dents on the hood and the right burner holder
has
two age cracks in the metal. One problem which may bother some people wanting perfection
is that the hood does not
fit the lower section properly. It does not seat down as far as it should
or turn once in place. The quadrantal correctors
which have been clad in copper over iron
are not believed to be original. The Barton burners are complete, but have
not been tried. They
should work when wicks and kerosene are added. Both have had repairs made to their chimneys.
The
compass is in sound working order. All surfaces have been polished some time ago
and have a subdued
patina.
APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS:
Overall height 59 3/4"
Maximum width 25 1/2"
Compass bowl 10 1/2" diameter
Compass card 8 3/4" diameter
Estimated weight 200 pounds
Lamps 11“ H x 4 1/2“ diameter
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Mushroom hood and correctors | |
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, England, France, Germany, Greece,
Holland,
Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Martinique, Mexico,
New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia,
Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania,
Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,
Turkey,
United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
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.
Shipping can be arranged through LDG Delivery Service for the U.S. East
Coast, and certain
cities in Michigan, and Indiana, and occasional trips to California. 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.
This important
binnacle is an outstanding example of an early design. It is an
excellent addition to a nautical collection
of only the rarest.
Copyright 2008 by Land And Sea Collection ™ , All Rights Reserved |
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