Historical information
The binnacle was originally from a lifeboat of the tug 'Melbourne' previously 'Howard Smith'. When the vessel sank at Gellibrand [Williamstown], the binnacle was under water for about one month. The lifeboat was later cut loose from the wreck by a salvage crew [as told by the donor].
Significance
A good example of a small binnacle and compass as used on a lifeboat from the 1950s.
Physical description
Binnacle, brass with wick light mounted on timber
Subjects
References
- Tug 'Howard Smith' later named 'Melbourne' The 'Howard Smith' was a steel tug built in Aberdeen in 1952 with official number 177228. It was sold in 1969 and renamed 'MELBOURNE'. On the 9th August 1972 it capsized and sank after colliding with s/s NIEUW HOLLAND in Port Phillip Bay. It was raised and scrapped in 1973.
