Liquid compass and binnacle
This yacht compass is made of brass with a lamp holder on the side of the cover for lighting the compass card at night. The card is made of mica with a central float and is marked in points. The card is mounted on a hinged bracket, part of which acts as a lubber line. This design of liquid compass was patented by W.F. Renolds in 1874 (patent number 101). The patent was for a compass with a vertical or near-vertical card, but this has been replaced in this example, which was used on the royal yacht ‘Victoria and Albert’ until 1902.
For more information about using images from our Collection, please contact RMG Images.
Object Details
ID: | ACO0138 |
---|---|
Collection: | Astronomical and navigational instruments |
Type: | Liquid compass and binnacle |
Display location: | Not on display |
Creator: | Reynolds, W. F. |
Date made: | 1874 |
Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory |
Measurements: | Overall: 363 mm x 215 mm x 265 mm; Weight: 6.6 kg |