With cover plate open

Compass azimuth circle and case

Maker’s plate and serial number

Deadbeat compass

HISTORY OF KELVIN, BOTTOMLEY & BAIRD: The origins of the company lie in the highly successful partnership, between William Thomson, later Lord Kelvin, (1824-1907), Professor of Natural Philosophy at Glasgow University from 1846-1899 and James White, a Glasgow optical maker. James White (1824-1884) founded the firm of James White, optical instrument maker in Glasgow in 1850 and was involved in supplying apparatus for Thomson’s laboratory and working with him on experiments. By 1854, White was already producing electrical instruments – electrometers and electrical balances – from Thomson’s designs.  In 1870, White was largely responsible for equipping Thomson’s laboratory in the new University premises at Gilmorehill. From 1876, he was producing accurate compasses for metal ships to Thomson’s design, and this became an important part of his business in the last years of his life. He was also involved in the production of sophisticated sounding machinery that Thomson had designed to address problems encountered in laying cables at sea, helping to make possible the first transatlantic cable connection. At the same time, he continued to make a whole range of more conventional instruments such as telescopes, microscopes and surveying equipment. White’s association with Thomson continued until he died, but without any legal deeds of co-partnery – White bearing, at least in a public sense, the financial risks of their working partnership. After his death, his business continued under the same name. Thomson, who became Sir William Thomson and then Baron Kelvin of Largs in 1892, continued to maintain his interest in the business after White’s death. In 1884 he raised most of the capital needed to construct and equip new workshops in Cambridge Street, Glasgow. At the Cambridge Street premises, the company continued to make the compass Thomson had designed during the 1870s and to supply it in some quantity, especially to the Admiralty. At the same time, the firm became increasingly involved in the design, production and sale of electrical apparatus. In 1899, Lord Kelvin resigned from his University chair and became, in 1900, a director in the newly formed limited liability company, Kelvin & James White Ltd which acquired the business of James White. At the same time, Kelvin’s nephew, James Thomson Bottomley (1845-1926), joined the firm which by c1915 had become known as Kelvin, White & Hutton Ltd. Kelvin & James White Ltd underwent a further change of name in 1913, becoming Kelvin Bottomley & Baird Ltd. Years later the operation was merged with Henry Hughes & Son of London, England with the surviving company known as Kelvin-Hughes, Ltd. 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 approximately $310 for the U.S. East Coast, and certain cities in Michigan, and Indiana. 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. Buy this very binnacle Now! What a great addition to your office, den or family room.         Copyright 2006 by Land And Sea Collection, All Rights Reserved

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