A rare and early compass binnacle by John Syeds
ANTIQUE COMPASS BINNACLE
A rare and early compass binnacle by John Syeds.
A ships compass binnacle constucted from English Oak with copper illumination lantern. there is a drop down door for viewing the compass and a side hinged door to remove the compass box.
The binnacle contains a drycard compass made by John Syeds, The compass card also has a hand written note on the underside and is signed by By Syeds - it reads: with a repaired compafs delivered at His Majestys Deptford Dock yard 22 of July 1814 by Syeds and Davis.
The drycard compass is contained within a weighted brass compass bowl and is complete with the original early wavy glass glazed lid. the brass bowl is supported on brass gimballs. The paper compass card is marked: Made by John Syeds. by Eaft Lane-stairs, Rotherhithe Wall. And all Other Inftruments Ufefull at Sea. ( note the early spelling using the letter 'f' instead of 's' )
The Directory of British Instrument Makers 1550 - 1851 by Gloria Clifton, lists John Syeds working from 1788 to 1811, in 1812 the company became Syeds & Davis and continued until 1834 when the company was taken over by Abraham Syeds.
Front view of compass binnacle
Side view of compass binnacle
Rear view of compass binnacle
Compass bowl with gimballs.
Close up of the compass card.
Close up of the compass card.