E.S. Ritchie Single Burner Binnacle

This Fine Item Has Been Sold! Thank you!

E.S. RITCHIE SINGLE BURNER BINNACLE
Ca 1900 PRESENTATION PIECE

Modified to preserve the top section only, this presentation binnacle makes
a dramatic statement of importance. It is a perfect gift or as a focal point in any decor. Presented is a fine E.S.
Ritchie, Boston, binnacle in excellent condition considering its age and use at sea. It is of a massive design that
was used at the turn of the 20th Century on the largest size ships.

The brass hood has a large hinged oval viewing
port in front that is flanked by a kerosene burner. The appearance is very striking compared to the binnacles
which are most prevalent today. The burner is original and functional.

THE COMPASS The fully gimbaled antique compass is of a Turn of the
Century design. It measures 10 1/2″ in diameter and is fitted with a 8 1/4″ card being the largest of this
style that we have seen. Stamped on the bezel is Serial Number 38519 and Richie, Boston. The solution is clear and
without bubbles.

The subdivisions are in Cardinal Points, N.S,E,W, and quarter points, NE,SE,SW,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 359 with the north pointer as an ornate Fleur des Lis with the maker’s name
and Boston
Compass in perfect condition

DIMENSIONS:

Casement
19 1/2″ H x 19 1/4″ W x 17″ D
Compass                    10
1/2“ diameter
Card                             8
1/4“ diameter
Estimated Weight        55 pounds

Massive binnacle head showing kerosene burner

E.S. RITCHIE, BOSTON: In 1850 physicist Edward S. Ritchie began developing the first U.S. manufactured marine compass. He had received a
contract to repair foreign-made compasses from the Boston Naval Shipyard, and he soon realized most of the problems he encountered
could be eliminated. So when the US Naval Observatory put out a call for American Manufactured navigational instruments in
1861 it was no surprise who they contacted first. Ritchie completed and sent samples of his work (including the first ever liquid filled
compass) in June of 1861 and by August he received an order from the US Navy for 26 compasses, 10 of which were liquid filled.
At this time Ritchie began selling compasses under the name E.S. Ritchie & Co., which was later changed to E.S. Ritchie
& Sons in 1867. To this day E.S. Ritchie & Sons continues to produce marine navigation instruments. A model of Ritchie’s first liquid filled compass is on display today in theMuseum of Science in London, England; the only foreign product so honored. In 1951 the company was purchased by Marine Compass Company. Louis A. Sherman founded the Marine Compass Company in 1910 and concentrated on producing smaller instruments for commercial and fishing vesselsas well as the emerging yachting markets. The two companies consolidated all operations under the name E.S. Ritchie and Sonsand is still owned by the Sherman Family. This is a very special and a
rare find. Recommended for that special person. It’s mounting makes it ideal for display or as a presentation!

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.

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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.

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