Polished Brass Nautical Skylight Compass Ships' Binnacle

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About the Item

This is a large size skylight or cathedral binnacle with an original Spherical Compass that was invented by Wilfrid O. White. The design dates to January 6, 1931 with Patent number 1987383 granted on January 8, 1935. This is not one of the later versions, but an original, and sold under the Kelvin-White brand name indicating the association White had with William Thomson, Lord Kelvin. The main feature of this compass was that the sphere magnified the size of the compass card substanially. In this case, when the bowl is filled with fluid, the actual compass card is 3 1/2" in diameter, but appears to be a 5 1/2" card when viewed. The base of the compass bowl is fitted with a frosted lens which allows lighting the card from beneath, but no internal light was fitted. It is in the preferred brass finish with six panels one of which acts as a filter. Two of the panels have an etched vertical line to allow for taking bearings, and the black filter is used when taking amplitudes of the sun to determine compass error or as sun shade.

Creator:
Wifrid O. White (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)Diameter: 5 in (12.7 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Lead
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
Ca 1935
Condition:
After all these years, the condition is exceptional, and everything is almost in "like new" condition with the compass working properly. There are four lubber pins, one at each primary heading of 90 degrees, one of which is broken off at the level of the card. As fitted by Kelvin-White, the panes are Plexiglas, but are in great condition. The compass was recently cleaned and its paint freshened in our shop, and was professionally polished and lacquered for your enjoyment. The compass is being sold for display. Its fluid has been removed to preserve the card, and it is not intended to be used at sea in this condition. It can be made sea ready by simply adding a mixture of 1/3 alcohol and 2/3 distilled water. There was no lighting fitted by the maker. However, an electrician can fit a receptacle for lighting from the bottom or one can be installed from the top. Copyright 2012 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved.
Seller Location:
Palm City, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: U120421925769

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