Circa 1850 Ships Binnacle Compass With Dolphins

Three brass dolphins curve upwards to create the legs of the polished mahogany stand. The Renaissance style cast bronze legs in the form of classical Royal Navy dolphins with raised tails support the Brass Ships binnacle which has two kerosene lamp illumination burners. The date is reflective of pre-iron ships hulls, as the binnacle is sans magnetic ships balls. Very few of these early Binnacles with dolphins have survived. The floating compass rotates but needs restoration - Stands 35" high