*c1880, Early Dolphin Binnacle Base with Navigator’s or Kelvin’s Balls – Ideal Planter*
Approximate dimensions:
Height: 72.5cm
Plant Bowl: 28cm diameter x 23cm deep
Total width: 49.5cm
This is was originally a compass, with dolphin 3 legged binnacle base and “Kelvins Balls”. The original mushroom top and compass are no longer part of it but it would make a wonderful planter. The body is supported by three Renaissance style cast bronze legs in the form of classical Royal Navy dolphins with raised tails. Very few three legged dolphin binnacles have survived, they are normally only found in museums.
A binnacle is a waist-high stand or casing located on a ship’s deck, typically positioned in front of the helmsman, designed to hold navigational instruments for quick and easy access. Early binnacles from the mid-18th century were built using iron nails, which were later found to interfere with compass accuracy. As the understanding of magnetism improved, binnacle construction adapted to minimize such disturbances.
With the advent of iron-clad ships, compass deviations worsened, leading to compensation methods using strategically placed iron or magnets. In 1854, John Gray of Liverpool patented a binnacle with adjustable correcting magnets, which was later enhanced by Lord Kelvin in the 1880s with a system incorporating two compensating spheres, known as “Kelvin’s balls” in the UK and “navigator’s balls” in the U.S. An extensive collection of binnacles is housed at the Royal Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.
*Condition*
This is in excellent used condition with expected dings and scratches commensurate with age. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
This is a large heavy item, please contact the shop to arrange shipping quotes.
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