Historical information
The nautical compass is used for determining directions, using a free moving magnetised needle, indicating north and south.
This is a medium sized compass and was suitable for mounting in a fixed brass binnacle or a portable wooden box. The compass fluid was typically lamp oil, or a mixture of alcohol and water. This compass, based on its pattern, was probably manufactured around the 1930s.
The compass’s maker, Bergen Nautik, was a 20th Century compass manufacturer, making compasses from the 1900s but no longer in business.The factory was located in Hordaland County, Bergen, on the west coast of Norway.
Significance
This compass is not a very significant marine item as it was made in the 20th century. Examples of the same compass that have been salvaged can be purchased today mounted either in a wooden box or a brass pedestal.
Physical description
Compass; marine or ship's compass, brass, gimbal mounting, in blue metal casing. Manufacturer’s inscription is on the face. Made by Bergen Nautik of Bergen in Norway. Circa 1930s.
Inscriptions & markings
"BERGEN . NAUTIK", "BERGEN", "NORWAY"
Subjects
- flagstaff hill,
- warrnambool,
- shipwrecked coast,
- flagstaff hill maritime museum,
- maritime museum,
- shipwreck coast,
- flagstaff hill maritime village,
- great ocean road,
- compass,
- nautical compass,
- marine compass,
- maritime compass,
- technical instrument,
- navigation instrument,
- bergen nautik,
- 20th-century marine compass,
- gimbal compass,
- ship's compass,
- bergan nautik,
- norway,
- 1930s marine compass
