Liquid compass and binnacle

Bowl-Black painted brass, filler plug at side, expansion chamber at base, glazed bottom. Heavy balancing weight secured to bottom. Inside of bowl painted white with four black painted lubber lines on side of bowl. Mounted in black painted brass gimbal ring 8.25" (21cm) in diameter. Secured in dwarf binnacle.
Card-Diameter: 5.25" (13.3cm). Mica (?) covered with white paper, black markings, graduated to 1/4 points and to 360 degs, attached by wire framework to large white painted float at centre.
Needle-Four cylindrical, mounted on wire framework below float.
Binnacle- Diameter:10.25" (26cm). aluminium with a wide flange at base. Fitted with a hexagonal, glazed top and conical hood which has only one narrow observing slit.

Object Details

ID: ACO0741
Type: Liquid compass and binnacle
Display location: Not on display
Creator: E. S. Ritchie & Sons
Date made: circa 1930
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 350 mm; Diameter: 285 mm