£3,800
AN HISTORICALLY INTERESTING DRY CARD BINNACLE COMPASS FROM THE ROYAL YACHT OSBORNE
the 5½in. compass card signed BORBIDGE • WHITEHAVEN, sealing wax balancing over business card inscribed to Mackenzie Borbidge behind, mounted in a weighted brass bowl with gimbals and contained in temple-topped binnacle with glazed brass hood complete with two shades and removable lamp housing, the front stamped CHISLETT. TOWER HILL LONDON., the right edge engraved Her Majesty's Yacht Osborne, hinged door to divided interior, side securing rings and brass feet drilled for deck securing -- 19in. (48cm.) high
The instrument maker Mackenzie Borbidge is probably the son of Charles Borbidge and who took over the business in 1834; Alfred Chislett traded from Tower Hill between 1834-55 suggesting this compass was possibly from the first R.Y. Victoria & Albert which was renamed Osborne in 1855 when the Victoria & Albert II was built. This first Osborne remained in service until 1867 when the bespoke Osborne was built and which remained in service until 1908.
Card a little time-stained around pivot; left glass cracked; otherwise good original condition.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
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Flat Fee Registration
28.80% inc VAT*
