~ Mid 20th Century John Hastie & Co Ltd Of Greenock Wood And Bronze Bound Ships Wheel ~
The wooden 8 spoke ship’s wheel has a bronze binding and central hub. Hastie was based in Inverclyde, Scotland.
~ John Hastie ~
Engineer and millwright John Hastie opened small manufacturing works in Greenock in 1845 and 1853 patented the first self-holding steering gear. The firm became known as John, Hastie and Co. Ltd. in 1898 after taking on limited liability status and their main works were at Kilblain Street, Greenock, where they specialised in ships’ steering gear. The company also occupied works at Rue End Street, Greenock. Plans of this unit depict a stockyard to the east, with areas for welding; fitting and assembly; flame, cutting and fabrication; and a machine bay. The company was dissolved in 1991.
