Important Antique Mushroom Twin Burner Sailing Ship Binnacle

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IMPORTANT ANTIQUE MUSHROOM TWIN BURNER SAILING SHIP BINNACLE
Ca 1850

 

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.

HMS DART: Similar binnacle to the right. It has a Flinders tube on its back

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: The appropriate compass has
North marked by an elaborate Fleur de Lis, marked Lord Nelson Patent, as the North pointer on a curved ring. 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

Original Baron Burners
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, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland,
Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia,
Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain,
St. Maarten, 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:
[email protected]

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 2011 – 2008 by Land And Sea Collection ™ , All Rights Reserved

IMPORTANT ANTIQUE MUSHROOM TWIN BURNER SAILING SHIP
BINNACLE CA 1850

 
 

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.

 

    HMS DART: Similar binnacle to the right. This one has a Flinders tube on its back

 

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
 

          Original Baron Burners
        Mushroom hood and correctors

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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.

Established in 2003

Celebrating 18 Years of Exellence in Nautical Antiques

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