Beautiful Skylight Binnacle with Kerosene Burner

This Fine Item Has Been Sold! Thank you!

BEAUTIFUL
SKYLIGHT BINNACLE
WITH KEROSENE BURNER
AND
STAR PATHFINDER COMPASS

Presented is an exceptionally beautiful skylight or cathedral binnacle in excellent condition considering its age. The compass is a Star Pathfinder of the Star Compass Company of Milton, Mass., as noted on the compass card. Due to its elegant design, we believe this binacle was designed for a fine yacht during the early 20th Century. Other than the compass noted as a Star Pathfinder, and the kerosene burner with a Simplex label, there is no other indication of the maker of this fine piece. It may have been specially commissioned by a yacht builder or owner.
The Star Compass Co., was founded by Gustave A Salzgeber (1888-1979) in Dorchester, Ma. in 1905, moving the company to East Milton, Ma. in 1929. His compasses were recognized for their exceptional quality and practicability, and used aboard the Byrd Antarctic Expedition. They were also chosen by Capt. Hubert Wilkins, the Australian explorer, for his arctic explorations.

CONDITION: Two of the glass panels in the skylite top are scored for aligning the compass points, and one panel is frosted while another is missing. The kerosene burner is in perfect condition, and is labeled “Simplex”. The binnacle has been polished and lacquered for display and ease of care. The “Skylight or Cathedra” design was especially sought after for fine yachts and ships during this period. Its appearance is very striking compared to the binnacles which are most prevalent today.
THE WET CARD COMPASS The fully gimbaled antique compass is of a Turn of the Century design. It measures 7″ in diameter and is fitted with a 4 3/4″ card. Stamped on the bezel is Serial Number 62063, and on the compass card, “Star Pathfinder, Milton, Mass”. Although the compass is working accurately, about a third of the liquid is missing in the compass bowl.
The subdivisions are in Cardinal Points, N.S,E,W, and quarter points, NE,SE,S W,NW, then 1/2 points, 1/8 points and finally 1/16 points. There are 32 points on the compass card, each being 11 1/4 degrees. The outer circle is graduated in degrees from 0 to 350 with the north pointer as an ornate Fleur des Lis with the maker’s name and Milton, Mass. It appears to be operating correctly.

DIMENSIONS: Overall Height on Wood Base 20″

Binnacle Height16″ H x 10″ W (without handle) Wood Bas 9 1/2″ diameter x 1 3/4″

Compass 7″ diameter Card 43/4″ diameter Estimated Weight 15 1/2 pounds

This presentation skylight or cathedral binnacle makes a dramatic statement of importance. It is a perfect and important gift, and will serve as a beautiful focal point in any decor.

Shipping & Packaging

The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated point to point and is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

Our Unconditional 'No Nonsense' Guarantee

If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are refundable if due to our error within the continental United States.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers worldwide.

Standard Forms of Payment

Bank wire transfer, cashier’s check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to us so that the use of credit cards or PayPal incur extra charges. Terms on overseas sales are different.