1960s Henry Browne & Son LTD High Quality British Sestral Moore Marine Gimbaled Compass- Suitable for Yachting

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Henry Browne & Son LTD High Quality British Sestral Moore Marine Gimbaled Compass- Suitable for Yachting

Here is a fine … Read more Henry Browne & Son LTD High Quality British Sestral Moore Marine Gimbaled Compass- Suitable for Yachting

Here is a fine functioning 'floating' compass that we acquired several years ago from a veteran navy captain who traveled the world and kept the best mementos of his travels well kept.

Even though in this modern age, GPS is used primarily for navigation, it is recommended that a boat or yacht be equipped with a manual back-up navigation system in the event of electrical failure.

Sestral is a brand term created specifically by Henry Browne & Son, Ltd and stands for
SEnsitive, STeady and RELiable. Having a compass being gimbaled means that regardless of the ship's movement, the compass remains level in order to give an accurate directional reading.
Gimballing is normally achieved through pivoted rings in less sophisticated compasses- but-

In the case of this Sestral Moore Marine Gimbaled Compass- the gimbaling is greatly improved by employing two mechanisms. There is the external ring that is visible to the eye in the pictures set forth here, but the superiority lies in the internal encased liquid system. The compass is magnetized as usual, but floats freely on " Sestroil" which Google states was essentially kerosene. This system provides significant dampening which reduces oscillation ( swinging back and forth ) of the compass card allowing it to settle quickly and provide a steady, accurate reading. ** Please note that as old as this compass is that there is no leakage of the fluid. None at all.

My research on Google states that some of these ship compasses were adaptable to light fittings. I don't know if there is any adaptability here- the only thing I could guess is one unused hole in the base.

We believe after research and visual online comparisons that this compass dates back to the 1960's and also based on the age of the person we bought it from. But is could be a bit newer. Google says that production on these ceased somewhere in the 1970's or 1980's.

Regardless- Condition is very good to excellent for its age!
No rust.
Compass card visibility is crystal clear.
The thumb screw allows the compass to be taken in and out of the base while the base remains firmly affixed to the hull. Once tightened up- it is very hard to loosen up. Another quality point from the manufacturer.

Weighs 9 pounds

10" long assembled
7 1/2" inches wide
7" high See less