Marine Instruments

Argonaut Traders

1.1 First of an important matched set of scarce Siemens Hammerhead Style Double-Headed Telegraphs likely conserved from the bridge of a twin-screw passenger ship. (See 1.2 for second telegraph and additional reference.)
A testament to 20thC marine engineering and the heroic requirement of passenger liners, each telegraph is distinguished with the "Close Watertight Doors" engine order, which became the critical safety standard for capital ships following the Titanic Disaster. The bridge would set the telegraphs to "Close W.T. Doors", to signal engineers of the activation of a system of hydraulic steel doors to effectively compartmentalize the ship's hull to contain an intrusion of seawater.
These museum quality massive bronze telegraphs are marked Siemens Brothers & Co. Limited London with four sequential serial numbers. In effect they are four independent engine order telegraphs, with 2 mounted on each pedestal.
Proudly exhibited, a similar model of one of these telegraphs today serves Siemens headquarters.
CHRISTIE'S Auction House also showcased a Siemens Telegraph at its Maritime Auction in New York on July 20, 2005. However, the Christie's example did not have the rare engine order to close watertight doors.
Understandably, just one of these magnificent steamship telegraphs is extremely rare, but to acquire a matched pair is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity worthy of any marine antiques collection. Their active duty provenance has yet to be determined at this time.
Both telegraphs are in good sound original unpolished condition, with their electrical external bells and internal lights presently untested, but apparent original condition.
Approximate overall dimensions:
Height (not including handles) 45-1/2" X Width 15" X Depth 21" X Weight 250lbs. POR

1.2 Second of an important matched set of scarce Siemens Hammerhead Style Double-Headed Telegraphs likely conserved from the bridge of a twin-screw passenger ship. (See 1.1 for telegraph description.) POR
Company History
Recognized for innovative technology since 1843 with a patented revolutionary electroplating process, William and Werner Siemens went on to patent telegraph equipment and their firm ultimately became a communications and electronics powerhouse.
The firm was responsible for the development of the first undersea telegraph cable connecting US and Britain in 1873, and by 1914 Siemens laid half of the cables between Europe and North America.
Other significant milestones include:
1847: the first automatic dial telegraph and, the first alarm bell system to warn railway workers of approaching trains.
1860: first devices for measuring voltage and resistance introduced.
1884: the Ohm - was adopted as the standard, based on Siemen's measurement system for resistance.
1922: made some of the earliest engines for passenger-carrying aeroplanes.
1930: pioneered electric locomotive design.
1958: developed and produced first cardiac pacemaker.
1988: developer of first 1Mb memory chip to go into production.
For more information check: siemens.com.

1.3 Commanding WW2 era 42" Ship's Wheel mounted on a period brass flying-bridge station. Distinctively inlaid mahogany wheel distinguished by a 1" diameter brass manufacturer's nameplate signed: American Engineering, and this firm's superior craftsmanship. Helm is sound and in good condition. Brass pedestal stands 40" H X 165lbs wt. POR

1.4 Magnificent mahogany Yacht Steering Station with vintage 24" Wheel retired from pilot house and ready for deployment to a shore side nautical collection. Steering arrangement consists of bronze shaft mounted in naval bronze sleeve bearings with wooden drum for rudder cabling mounted between bearings. Mahogany cabinetry with rich patina first-rate, showcasing hand-crafted doweled construction. An unusual opportunity to acquire a complete yacht helm of the finest shipwright craftsmanship and as pictured; front, side and view of steer gear from rear access. Helm is sound and in good condition with dimensions: Overall Height with Wheel 48" X Width 24" Depth 18", Steering Station: Height 40" X Width 11" X Depth 10". POR

1.5 Skylight Yacht Binnacle featuring classic brass and glass cathedral top. Overall outstanding condition for this uncommon six-sided brass binnacle, which could return to service on a yacht as well as highlight a nautical collection.
Brass compass, 6" diameter, and compass rose with Wilcox Crittenden logo; housed in binnacle with overall dimensions 12" ht X 9-3/4" dia. A quality piece as to be expected from this leading manufacturer.
Skylight binnacles were popular on yachts in the 1920s-30s. The bottom of this compass bowl is marked '1-30', which may indicate Jan. 1930, & 'Made in USA'.
Binnacle is complete and in good overall condition, no cracks or chips to glass. Compass appears accurate. Ready to crown a classic restoration, mounting flange on housing base has 3 brass reinforced drill holes.
Brass skylight binnacles seldom become available, we've had very few over the years.
You might check out Bogie's skylight binnacle in his classic movie Key Largo.
Don't let this one sail without you! POR

1.6 19C. Whaling vessel's large antique dry card compass encased in spun brass kettle drum-shaped bowl, housed in old red lead paint surfaced instrument box. Dry Card Compass with original handmade glass and glazed top signed: C. Hutchinson & Co. -- Sunderland the historically significant early compass maker.
Wood cut 128 point dry card highlighted by fleur-de-lys North and 8 point center star displays well its outstanding compass rose graphics on a card in very nice condition. Compass diameter is 6-3/8" and would be suitably stationed in an advanced maritime collection.
Hutchinson partnered with Frederick Lincoln, the Civil War mayor of Boston and grandson of Paul Revere, and eventually purchased the firm.
Please disregard reflective glare in photo, dry card has no stains, no tears, no repairs, etc. Glass in good condition with small bubble common to period handmade glass, also a small quarter inch edge chip partially under bowl rim and equally small surface scratch to glass which is imperceptible in photos, but worth noting. Instrument box is also sound with no repairs just some expected minor wear. POR

1.7 Vintage 'Constellation'Kelvin White Binnacle & Compass, recognized as the premiere old guard compass maker.
Binnacle signed brass plate: Kelvin White Los Angeles Boston New York Nautical Instruments.
Instrument displays well its outstanding compass rose graphics on a card in near mint condition and signed:
Wilfred O. White & Sons, Inc. New York Boston Baltimore
Compass ring signed: Kelvin White Constellation Patent 2428346 CC 4086.
Binnacle could return to service offshore or highlight a maritime collection. Overall Dimensions: 17" Width (bracket tip-bracket tip) X 8-1/2" Height. Compass diameter standard 6".
Binnacle and compass in good condition with small air bubble as pictured. Also noting very slight ding/1/2" fracture by a screw hole to lower left of nameplate and 3/4" crack in bottom edge of mounting flange - all as pictured below. Couple slight surface scratches to the outer globe, hardly visible in person. POR

1.8 WW2 Era English Navy Sextant manufactured by H. Hughes and Son Ltd. of London, the premier British instrument maker, with silver scale and solid brass frame construction and serial #60094. Sextant apparently served aboard the Global Adventurer, according to paperwork-receipt from Observator Ltd. of Rotterdam which last tested instrument on 4-27-73, all documentation included. Global Adventurer, a 500 foot long diesel powered tanker, was built in 1952 at Dundee, Scotland by Caledon Shipbuilding. Sextant condition good, glass is fine for scope, index mirror, horizon glass & shade glasses. There is also a bottle of what appears to be sperm oil, but probably just a synthetic lubricant. The sextant is as pictured with box noting salty age checks to lids; handle is secure, but leather worn off; and key unavailable. POR

1.9 Vintage Japanese Sextant in near mint condition and manufactured by TAMAYA, the premier Japanese instrument maker. Brass manufacturer's plaque on box signed:

1.10 WW2 USN Binnacle with Leitz Compass. Copper binnacle with sidelight compartment and manufacturer's tag marked: US NAVY BUSHIPS 1942, Chicago.
Compass marked: 4" Boat Compass US NAVY BUSHIPS MARK 1 #2549-1940 Leitz #19568. Compass fluid level is not 100%. Sidelight has been electrified with lamp, switch and 2-prong receptacle without cord. Compartment door appears to be a replacement.
Good overall condition as found, glass good - no chips or cracks. POR

1.11 This Master's brass one-draw telescope utilizes an antique three element ocular system with a 2" diameter objective lens producing a good clear upright image, with no apparent scratches or chips. Telescope measures an overall length of 36" and is in good unpolished condition as found with only some expected minor dents and draw tube a bit stiff from age when extending. Instrument is attractively stationed on a functional contemporary tripod. POR

1.12 A rare early large example of an antique wood marine telescope hand-signed: Miller London, which may have served a ship of the line or an early whaler. This Master's Mahogany and Brass single-draw telescope, circa late 1700s-1800s, utilizes an antique, multi- element ocular system and measures an overall extended length - 36". Objective lens - 2-1/4" diameter produces a good clear upright image. Mahogany in good condition with no apparent splits or cracks to barrel, just a few minor surface scuffs. Brass is in good unpolished condition as found with only some expected minor dents and draw tube slightly stiff from age when extending. POR

1.13 Striking Yacht Helm: 36" mahogany ship's wheel with 1"D wood ring. Please note this is not an antique nor a decorative reproduction, but rather a state-of-the-art yacht wheel. Wheel is in unused, mint condition; yacht was sold before wheel was stationed. POR

1.14 Vintage Brass & Leather Marine Binoculars signed Chevalier, Paris with barrels marked Marine Extra Powerful & Field Extra Powerful. Binoculars may be Civil War era, and are in good condition, with bright clear image with only minor expected wear to original leather and some paint worn on brass as pictured. They measure 9"+long when extended with 1-1/2" diameter objective lenses. POR