An extremely fine late 19th Century military pattern binnacle boat compass by DENT

Details

An extremely fine late 19th Century military pattern binnacle boat compass by DENT
constructed in mahogany, ebony and polished brass, fully marked with the Government Mark and numbered 155, the brass hood with turned ebony handle at apex and four ports, front and top with bevelled glass, the top with removable stamped brass cover, removable candle lamp with handle and complete with candle, each port with lamp slides for alternate mounting, the 4in. (11.5cm.) dia signed compass card in black painted brass gimball mounted fully stamped bowl numbered 45881 with securing latch, the mahogany base (re-varnished), with brass candle lamp and lashing mounts on three sides, the back panel with Government Mark and numbered 155, the front hinged hatch withsecuring hook opening to give access to gimball securing lever, spare candle, chained set of original instructions for compass and binnacle, black painted brass shade slide (compatible with above ports) and set of lighting instructions pasted inside door with hand-written date 1 Jan 94 -- 13in. (34.3cm.) high
See illustration

Lot Essay

In 1890 four compass manufacturers were invited by the Royal Navy to compete for a new design of boat compass. The specifications required the instrument to be capable of handling the vibrations of a steamboat as well as the usual requirements for sailing and pulling boats. The resulting entries were tested aboard H.M.S. Vernon at Portsmouth. The example offered by DENT was the best on all counts and was introduced as BOATS COMPASS PATTERN 20 in 1892. Apart from a reduction in card size in 1907 the pattern remained in service until after the First World War. The example offered above is a pre-1907 model with the larger card.

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