ANTIQUE
1941
U.S. NAVY BUREAU OF SHIPS
LIFEBOAT BINNACLE
BY LIONEL CORPORATION
Presented
is an early, 1941 U.S. Navy Lifeboat Binnacle by Lionel Corporation. This standard U.S. Navy lifeboat binnacle is constructed of brass and copper, and made by The Lionel Corporation during WWII when the company suspended manufacture of toy trains to join in the war effort. It features a magnetic compass marked 4″ BOAT COMPASS / No. 7902 / THE LIONEL CORPORATION N.Y.; compass card is marked in 10’s of degrees held in a gimbaled mount and white enamel painted interior. Front has a slanted glass panel, the top equipped with a wire brass bail; the back with a heavy cast mounting bracket. The side of the binnacle retains the original oil lantern complete with burner and wick wheel, font, polished reflector and area for matches; HT 9 + 3 for the bail. 8.5″ wide x 9.25″ deep.
Condition: Expected wear and minor oxidation; few dings and dents. Inside, the dry card compass shows as near new. The case indicates many days use at sea, but the dry card compass shows in good condition. The binnacle has been polished and lacquered for dramatic display, and to show in original condition.
This binnacle is a wonderful U S Navy artifact, and is perfect for the serious collector or as an accent piece in any decor
Open
side door show the kerosene burner reservoir.
DIMENSIONS:
Binnacle housing 7 1/2″ W x 7 1/2″ D x 9 1/4″ H
Weight 11 Lbs.
Compass
3 1/2″ diameter
Card 3″ diameter
The back has a large elbow for mounting the binnacle on an exterior bulkhead
Sides and front view of the Lifeboat Binnacle