Description: Antique E.S. Ritchie & Sons Boxed Ship's Compass #12261 Retailed by T.S. & J.D. Negus, New York. Featuring a gimbaled wet card compass with bezel readingE.S. Ritchie Boston 12261, and center marked "Ritchie Boston Made in U.S.A.", housed in a mahogany slant-lid case with hinged lid. The case features a front storage compartment next to the compass compartment, and a side compartment which houses a removable brass oil lamp marked "Manhattan Brass Mfg Co New York." The number/letter series W5301682322 is carved into the inside door of the oil lamp compartment. The meaning of the number/letter series is unknown. Measurements: The case measures approximately 12 inches long by 9 inches depth by 9.5 inches height. Provenance: Manufactured in 1882 and first sold on April 15, 1882 (per Ritchie Navigation records) to Thomas Nelson of the US Navy when he served as Executive Officer of the USS Alaska. At some point Thomas assumingly passed the compass on to his son Charles Preston Nelson, who also served in the US Navy and became known as one of the Navy's first submarine experts. He was referred to in a 1905 newspaper as the "navy's submarine hero" and brought President Theodore Roosevelt on a submarine dive in 1905 while in command of the USS Plunger. Based on the service record mentioned in the below condition notes, it is assumed that Charles was still using this compass while Captain of the USS Leonidis during World War I. During this time he led submarine chasers in The First Battle of Durrazo for which he was later recognized. Somehow the compass ended up in the possession of Viatnam Vetran Dean Henry Want. (We are still researching the connection between these two individuals and will update as we know more.) During his final years in a retirement home, Dean became close friends with one of his caretakers, who he gifted the compass to prior to his passing in 2012. The caretaker kept this piece safely stored in his home garage since it came into his possession until recently entrusting TO THE FINDS with the task of finding it a new home, where its history will continue to be appreciate and preserved. Additional biographical information available for Thomas and Charles Nelson at the following links: - Thomas Nelson - http://www.dreadnoughtproject.org/tfs/index.php/Thomas_Nelson - Charles Preston Nelson - http://www.dreadnoughtproject.org/tfs/index.php/Charles_Preston_Nelson Condition Notes: This is an antique piece in beautiful condition. The compass works as it should but needs to be refilled a bit. Per Ritchie Navigation records, this compass was sent in for service on June 21st, 1892, March 28th, 1938, and April 14th, 1953 (see log book photo). Small chipped piece of wood inside the front storage compartment as shown in photos. The piece has been lightly dusted/wiped, however no major cleaning has been done to preserve its condition and history. Please review all photos and item specifics to verify item condition. Item will be shipped via UPS and fully insured with delivery signature required. Local pickup option also available and can be used in arrangement of your own transport method.
Price: 1249.97 USD
Location: Orlando, Florida
End Time: 2024-09-18T20:50:30.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Primary Material: Mahogany, Glass, Brass
Country/Region of Origin: United States
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
Features: Binnacle, With Case, Compass, Oil Lamp
Time Period, War: Spanish American War, WWI
Maker: Ritchie
