Gimbaled binnacle compass
By KELVIN & HUGHES , 1900
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[Gimbaled binnacle compass].

Surveying and navigational instruments
  • Author: KELVIN & HUGHES
  • Publication place: London
  • Publication date: c1950-1960
  • Physical description: Brass helmet case with glass window and lateral oil lamp cylinder, gimbaled compass within, signed Kelvin & Hughes.
  • Inventory reference: 12775

Notes

A compass used for lifeboats.

The traditional purpose of the binnacle was to hold the ship’s magnetic compass, mounted in gimbals to keep it level while the ship pitched and rolled.

The company Kelvin Hughes was formed in 1947 by the merger between the scientific instrument manufacturing firms of Henry Hughes & Son, London, and Kelvin Bottomley & Baird, Glasgow.

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