Presented is an upper
portion of a binnacle that was removed from the binnacle trunk upon which it was mounted, and then placed on a turned wood
base for display. It is in good condition as a display piece considering its age and use. The twin burner design dates back
to the 1860’s. The brass hood has a large hinged round viewing port in front that is flanked by a kerosene burner housing
on each side. One of the burners was removed so that it could be electrified and an electrical receptacle was installed. It
lights the inside well. The other burner is not original, but fully functional. The tops of both burner caps are dented. The
wood base was painted a blue/green and has weathered with age and now is heavily crackled which give a pleasing rustic appearance.=left>
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Left burner cap and handle
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Ritchie 6 inch compass card Ca 1900
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Without fluid the compass weighs 14 1/2 lbs
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The
appearance is very striking compared to contemporary binnacles which are most prevalent today making it an ideal display piece.
THE COMPASS:
The partially gimbaled compass has a 6 inch Ritchie card made from Mica and linen that dates
from 1900. The compass measures 8 3/8″ in diameter overall and the card is 6″ in diameter. Stamped on the bezel along the
edge is AZKANIA WERKE A.G. BAMBERERE WERKE BERLIN-FRIEDENAU and opposite DKS 16 D (a Crown) Nr 76103. The solution has been
drained from the bowl for conservation.
On the outer circle the compass
rose is divided in degrees with the major mark at every ten degrees. This convention came into favor at the Turn of the 20th
Century. The inner circle are in Cardinal Points, N.S,E,W, and quarter points, NE, SE, SW, NW. The outer circle was graduated
in degrees from 0 to 359 . The north pointer was an ornate Fleur des Lis. At its base, the card is marked Ritchie,
Boston.
