This Fine Binnacle Has Been Sold. Thank you! RARE ANTIQUE E.S. RITCHIE & SONS SKYLIGHT BINNACLE Late 19th Century

This presentation skylight or cathedral binnacle makes a dramatic statement of importance. It is a perfect gift or would serve as a beautiful focal point in any decor

Presented is a fine E.S. Ritchie & Sons, Boston, Skylight Binnacle in excellent condition considering its age and probable use at sea. The compass is by Ritchie as noted on the compass card where “Ritchiei Boston USA” is in very small letters. We believe it was in use during the late 19th and early 20th Century.

Two of the glass panels in the skylite top are scored for aligning the compass point, and one panel is frosted. The appearance is very striking compared to the binnacles which are most prevalent today.



THE DRY CARD COMPASS: The fully gimbaled antique compass is of a Turn of the Century design. It measures 6” in diameter and is fitted with a 4 ½” card. Stamped on the bezel is Serial Number 19689 and Ritchie & Sons, Boston, along with stamped dates ranging from May 1868 to Nov 1876. One side of the gimbal holder on the casing is permanently open without the top bar holder, and one screw is missing on the bar holder for the compass in the gimbal. As it would not be recommended that this beautiful antique binnacle be used at sea, neither of these issues would be relevant.

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 350 with the north pointer as an ornate Fleur des Lis with the maker's name and Boston and U.S. It appears to be operating correctly.

 

Compass is in Good Condition

DIMENSIONS:
 
Overall Height on Wood Base      15 1/2"
Casement                                       14" H x 9 1/2" W
Wood Base                                    12" diameter x 2"
Compass                                        6" diameter
Card                                               4 1/2" diameter
Estimated Weight                         17 pounds

 

Detail of Compass Condition

May 12, 1868 | July 19, 1879 | Aug 17, 1875 | Nov 14, 1875

Ritchie U.S.A

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 the Museum 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 vessels as well as the emerging yachting markets. The two companies consolidated all operations under the name E.S. Ritchie and Sons and is still owned by the Sherman Family. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT: are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to seller, so credit cards and PayPal may incur additional charges. SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, must be calculated. You may email us before bidding to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling. It will be slightly more to have it delivered by our antique courier. International buyers welcome. We have satisfied customers in worldwide, but inquire first as payment and shipping charges will vary. 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. Copyright 2019 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved