327

Circa 1850

PATENT BRASS BINNACLE COMPASS

By Edward Dent & Co. (British, 1790-1853). Signed on the card "Dent No. 1479 Pat. 20". Kelvin Bottomley & Baird Ltd. floating compass card, under thick gauge, pyramid shaped brass hood with a triangular viewing panel, supported by a mahogany base. On the right is a brass side light with hinged door for access to an automatic feeding candle. The base has several innovative features such as locking compass card, and a tube for spare candles. Brass and mahogany carrying handle.
Height 15". Width 9". Depth 9".

  • Provenance:
    Harriet Wynter Collection, South Kensington, London.
    Sotheby's, London, October 1994.
    The Kelton Collection of Marine Art & Artifacts.
  • Literature:
    Marine Navigation Instruments by Randier, p. 34.

    Notes:
    Edward Dent was innovative and awarded several patents, as well as a prize from the Admiralty for the accuracy of one of his chronometers. After his death the firm became E. Dent & Co. In 1850 he patented a compass used by the Royal Navy. This example is quite likely from that patent, given the marking on the cap, engraving "Dent No. 1479 Pat. 20" and etched Admiralty Broad Arrow, signifying naval service.

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February 24, 2022 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

Eldred's

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