Exactly two years ago
we PRESENTED one of these scare relics of Royal Navy history. It became the third one we discovered since
2005. This is the fourth we’ve had the privilege to offer. It is the Royal Navy’s famous submarine bridge compass
that was first introduced in 1909. The diminutive size allowed for passing it up and down though the conning tower hatch
since it was only used while on the surface. The black iron balls called “quadrantal correctors” were a
fairly recent innovation at the Turn of the 20th Century. They served to minimize
the ship’s magnetic deviation, which is one type of compass error.ORIGIN OF THE NAME: In 1921, the
famous author P.G. WOODHOUSE wrote a humorous book called JILL THE WRECKLESS. One of the characters in the book was
called Freddie Rooke and he was a friend who always guided his friends to a successful end. British naval officers named
their compass after him. Courtesy of G. Dykes, RN-Ret
Every important collection of nautica deserves a Faithful Freddie.
Don’t miss this one!
The compact size allowed it to be
passed upward through the conning tower hatch when the submarine operated on the surface, and then back down when she submerged.
Pressure tight directional gyro repeaters were not introduced until some years after WW II so Faithful Freddie saw lots of
service.
There is only one binnacle that can be
legitimately called a Faithful Freddie and that is Pattern Number 189. This is shown
on the placard affixed to this one upon which is stamped Serial Number 2684 H. It is also fitted with two rectangular
corrector coils and wiring that became available towards the end of the War This helped smooth out the huge variations in
voltage from the submarine’s batteries, depending on whether they being charged by her diesel engines or were being discharged
when coupled to her electric motors. This may be the last of the improvements made to this design over its 75 years of active
service.
Pattern 189 N
32 Point Sestrel Compass
Hood Removed
In use on board a Royal Navy submarineCONDITION: The over all
binnacle displays beautifully. It’s woodwork is in excellent condition, and its brasswork has just been polished
and lacquered for your enjoyment. It shows some evidence of use at sea mostly in some small dents and abrasions
on the binnacle hood. The glass in the port opposite the helmsman is missing. Both covers are intact. We
believe that the binnacle was made during or prior to WW II because of its serial number. It is fitted with a fully
gimbaled Sestral compass which is not original. It’s liquid has a bubble, which in no way affects
its accuracy.
DIMENSIONS: 19″ H x 16
1/4″ W x 10 1/4″ D
WEIGHT 38.5 poundsCompass bowl diameter 5″
Compass card diameter
4″An
authentic example of the legendary Royal Navy submarine binnacle introduced as Pattern 189 in 1909. It was designed for
use on the bridge of submarines and its excellent design allowed them to navigate on the surface accurately and reliably.SCROLL DOWN FOR GALLERY PHOTOS
OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE:
If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging
if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the
return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer if an error is due to our fault.SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and
insurance to your destination, 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.International buyers welcome,
but should 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, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia,
Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
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 credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.Copyright 2009 – 2005 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved
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SUBMARINE BINNACLE At A Very Special Price
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SUBMARINE BINNACLE At A Very Special Price
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32 Point Sestrel Compass |
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CONDITION: The over all
binnacle display beautifully. It’s woodwork is freshly varnished, and its brasswork polished and lacquered for your enjoyment.
It shows some evidence of use at sea mostly in some small dents and abrasions on the binnacle hood. The cover over
the port facing the helmsman is missing. The front cover is intact. It is fairly evident, that the original binnacle was made
during or prior to WW II since some of the cast brass fittings show their original foundry marks as would be expected under
war time critical conditions. The fully gimbaled compass fitted is an early Sestrel with Mica card calibrated in
points. Its liquid has been removed, which in no way affects its accuracy. The compensation balls are
new additions, and may not be necessary with the new style rectangular compensation rings that are part of its up-graded
war time design. They add immeasurably to the binnacle’s rugged good looks.
DIMENSIONS: 19″ H x 18″
W x 8″ D
WEIGHT 23 pounds
Compass bowl diameter 5″
Compass card diameter
4″
This is an authentic example of the legendary submarine binnacle introduced in 1909 for the Royal Navy as Pattern 189.
It was designed for use on the bridge of submarines and its excellent design allowed them to navigate on the surface
accurately and reliably.