Compass from What?

[Cofe]

I acquired this compass from an Uncle's estate. Can anyone tell me what kind of vessel this would have been on? Year? Manufacturer?
There are no identification marks on it, and is liquid filled made of brass.
For years I remember seeing it set on his mantle. Any help appreciated.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Compass from What?

It's a very different design than I have ever seen. Very compact. Was it designed to be hung from the deckhead? Which way is up for the numbers on the compass?

It looks like it was designed to be used in location exposed to the weather. Does it have any source of illumination for use at night?

 

[Cofe]

Re: Compass from What?

It's a very different design than I have ever seen. Very compact. Was it designed to be hung from the deckhead? Which way is up for the numbers on the compass?

It looks like it was designed to be used in location exposed to the weather. Does it have any source of illumination for use at night?

Hi Mike. On the first picture there is a window that has a yellow line running vertically thru the center. You look into the window and the compass dial is submersed, suspended in liquid. There are no wires or anything I can tell for illumination. When I took the top off, was surprised to see the adjustable mechanism. I am wondering if it came from a war vessel?

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Compass from What?

http://www.vintagephone.com/EWAssorted.htm

Perhaps they could tell you who made it. Looks very similar to one they have for sale, that happems to have a name plate.

 

[Cofe]

Re: Compass from What?

Thanks for the info. This one looks a little different from the ones I've found so far.
Since I have started searching out old nautical compasses, I didn't how elaborate they can get. Sure are some nice ones out there!

 

[Ned L]

Re: Compass from What?

All I can tell you is that it was for some sort of vessel built of steel. The correction adjustments & iron balls are to correct for the magnetism built into a steel hull and superstructure.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Compass from What?

Ned you are correct about the compass correction magnets and soft metal balls but the hull of a vessel does not have to be made of steel to have it's own magnetic fields. Steel is found in machinery, rigging, weaponry etc. All magentic compasses, whether the ship is wood, fiberglass, or steel need correcting.

I would agree that this binnacle is probably from war time vessel, probably a smaller one, it looks like a steering compass and was probably mounted above the wheel.