E.S. Ritchie U.S.S. Constellation Ship's Binnacle

Description:

E.S. Ritchie U.S.S. Constellation Ship's Binnacle, U.S. Navy Yard, California, c. 1868, octagonal brass tapered hood with five glass panels, finial ring plate engraved U.S. Navy Yard California, sits atop the mahogany octagonal paneled box housing the 7 1/2-in. gimbaled wet-card compass marked E.S. Ritchie Boston, patent dates 1862, 1863, 1866, and 1868 on the outer ring, bulbous ring-turned center pedestal resting on the brass-wrapped undulating triangular base, ht. 52 in.

Provenance: The collection of the Valley Forge Historical Society.

Note: On loan to the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, from 1954 to 1988.
Estimate $400-600

old surface to mahogany case, appears to have original/old glass panels,
there are holes on top base probably for finials or caps, original feet, brass straping around base has aged tarnish, photo copy of invoice from Francis Bannerman Sons in NY, October 1926, with sale of Binnacle for $250 to the Valley Forge Historical Society


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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