Historical information
This large, ten-spoked wheel is an example of a ca. 1880s ship's wheel used to steer a large sailing ship. It was made in England from oak wood and brass by a shipwright.
Significance
This large, heavy wooden ship's wheel is an example of a late 19th-century, handcrafted wheel used at the helm to steer large sailing ships. The design continues to be used on sailing vessels today. This wheel has been on display for decades to demonstrate the perspective of the size of equipment on a sailing ship.
Physical description
Ship's wheel: a large ship's wheel made of oak wood and brass. It has ten turned, grooved spokes with rounded handles; some are bolted through the centre to the wheel. The hub and inlaid outer reinforcing ring are made of brass. The heavy hub has a metal backing and shaft. The ship's wheel was made in England ca. 1880s.
Subjects
- flagstaff hill maritime museum and village,
- maritime museum,
- maritime village,
- great ocean road,
- shipwreck coast,
- ship's wheel,
- 10-spoked ship's wheel,
- wooden ship's wheel,
- navigation,
- ship's steering,
- ship's steering wheel,
- maring technology,
- ship's fitting,
- navigational equipment,
- sailing ship's wheel,
- handcraft,
- shipwright,
- large ship's wheel,
- 19th century,
- 1880s,
- oak
