Welcome to our selection of antique compass binnacles.

The ships compass is a very important piece of equipment, without it a ship is not able to navigate the oceans of the World safely. The ships compass is also a very delicate instrument so it requires protection from the elements and the harsh marine environment. A protective cover or housing for a ships compass is called a binnacle, the name is derived from the Latin and French words Habitaculum and Bittacle which means dwelling or place of habitation. Ship's compass binnacles come in many different shapes and sizes, they range from full size ship binnacles to smaller portable versions.