- Compasses -

We carry Binnacles, Box Compasses, and Lifeboat Binnacles. Like most ship salvage these days, these instruments are getting harder to find; we bring in 2-3 binnacles per year and they sell very quickly. Please call or email (piecesofship@yahoo.com) to inquire about availability and pricing.

This is a Ship's Binnacle off a German vessel. The binnacle is the Main compass on the ship. The compass is under the brass hood and has a light under it so it can be viewed through the window. The green and red balls on either side slide to adjust the compass to compensate for the magnetic skew of the iron on the ship.

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This lifeboat binnacle was essential for the survival and navigation while onboard a lifeboat. It is equipped with side-housing for a candle or lamp to provide light at night. Flashlights may not be used, as the magnetic qualities in the batteries affect the accuracy of the binnacle's compass.


lifeboat binnacle

Typical Box Compass - used as reserve for the ship's main binnacle compass.

Navis-Plath Binnacle (France) 56" tall (sold)
Plath Geomar Binnacle (Madrid) 62" tall

Ludolph (Bremerhaven - Hamburg) Binnacle with clinometer 60" tall (sold)
German ship's binnacle (sold)

U.S. Navy engine order telegraph
Box compass #1 9 5/8" face diameter, 5" tall (sold)

Box compass #2 10 1/2" face diameter, 5" tall
Lifeboat binnacle (Lifeboat binnacles are generally 9-11" tall)

Lifeboat binnacle
Lifeboat binnacle

Box Compass by E.S. Ritchie & Sons, made April 8, 1918. Serial No: 49147.
(10 1/2" diameter face)

Danish compass made by Iver C. Weilbach & Co from Copenhagen (Kopenhaven), made 1961. Serial No: C 31361.