BINNACLE - Nautical - Brass Sestrel - 5" Gimbal H. Browne C (Cardiff)

BINNACLE - Nautical - Brass Sestrel - 5" Gimbal H. Browne C

Early 1900 s all brass English Sestrel Binnacle including a wet magnetic Compass. This binnacle was built by the prestigious Henry Browne & Son based in Essex. The entire unit (without plank) measures 8 high x 8 wide x 4 deep. Included is a 4 functional compass which features a 2 high domed glass viewing window and two internal gimal rings. The rings were necessary because the compass can be mounted horizontally or vertically and be manually adjusted for viewing in either position. The compass bowl and domed window are filled with mineral oil (no air bubbles) and the compass card is signed Sestrel with a 0 < 360 scale. Half of the binnacle hood is hinged and can be shut down to cover the entire viewing window when not in use. The current lighting is 110 volt and has an internal lens which emits a red illumination for reading the compass at night. It was believed that dim red light use helped to allow the eyes to recover night vision when looking outside the ship as in navigating thru the water. The attached brass manufacture s tag reads as follows TRADE Sestrel MARK HENRY BROWN & SON STATION WORKS - BARKING - ESSEX No 11699 D V . The unit is currently mounted on a 8 round wood plank with a oval brass tag signed 24 attached. Your guess is as good as mine what the 24 indicated. This binnacle base is designed so the unit could be easily mounted almost anywhere. The light socket cord in-line switch and plug have been replaced and there is some white paint flakes in the liquid but they settle to the bottom out of view. The 5 pound binnacle has seen some sea duty but is in exceptional condition considering its advanced age. This nautical artifact is the perfect example of British Maritime history. Additional Nautical Items Available - Please Call Cliff (at) 760-942-2025 For More Information.