1900s Iver C. Weilbach & Co Solver & Svarrer Copenhagen Brass Binnacle Gimbled Ships Compass

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This marvelous antique late 19th-early 20th century Iver C. Weilbach & Co, Solver & Svarrer of Copenhagen brass binnacle with … Read more This marvelous antique late 19th-early 20th century Iver C. Weilbach & Co, Solver & Svarrer of Copenhagen brass binnacle with gimbled compass has a very dramatic helmet style hood with a large round center port and a levered carrying handle on top. The beautiful compass has a very old style card dating back to before the turn of the 20th Century. North is identified with an anchor with a ribbon across it stamped "Sirius" with E. Esdaile & Sons, Sydney, N.S.W beneath. The unusual saucer shaped outer ring of the compass card is graduated in compass points. The larger subdivisions are the Cardinal Points, N. S. E. and W and the quarter points, NE, SE, SW, NW, then 1/2 points, 1/8 points and 1/16 points. There are 32 points on the compass card, each being 11-1/4 degrees. There are twin oil lamps on either side, one of which has been electrified. There is a medallion on the front which reads: "Solver & Svarrer with logo and Iver C. Weilbach, Copenhagen. Measurements for this fabulous creation are: Case height=13 inches, Diameter=10 inches, Compass diameter=8-1/2 inches. Oil lamps height=6-1/2 inches, Diameter=3-1/4 inches. This fabulous binnacle compass has an antique patina which enhances its authentic looks and is in excellent condition. There is one small abrasion on the front of the case and some light scratches, as would be expected from its use at sea. One of the oil burning lamps was electrified with a small bulb. This beautiful compass is the perfect addition to your maritime collection, particularly for the historic interest.

Weilbach was established in 1755 by Iver Jensen Borger, a seafarer with working experience from the Danish long-haul trades with India. Borger settled in Copenhagen, Denmark and used his nautical expertise to set up a flag, sails and compass maker shop. His shop produced nautical instruments and sails for the growing Danish merchant fleet and navy, and it benefitted from the growth of the long-distance trades from Copenhagen in the latter half of the eighteenth century. In 1799, Borger passed away, and his son-in-law, Johan Philip Weilbach, who introduced the Weilbach name, took over the business.

Having navigated over 26 decades of maritime history, Weilbach has encountered several market booms and busts, as well as radical technological and regulatory changes. In responding to these changes, the company has fundamentally transformed its business many times, but it has always kept its focus on delivering navigational solutions of high practical value to seafarers. See less