The following is a professional appraisal for two items in LRNow’s 2025 Oyster Roast Live Auction. These items were donated by Bob Wells and include two WWII era nautical artifacts: an Engine Order Telegraph (E.O.T.) and Ship’s Compensating Binnacle.
Item Donor: Bob Wells
Evaluation by Joe Elder, Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Art Gallery
The value assessed is what one would expect to pay for an item, similar in size, age, composition, condition and known provenance. The description below answers these questions and the value reflects accordingly.
WWII Era Ships Bridge Engine Order Telegraph
A WWII era ships bridge (wheelhouse) engine order telegraph (E.O.T.) made by the Henschel Corporation of Amesbury Massachusetts. Features face plates of black glass with commands in white lettering, with double-sided drum-shaped top and dual dials. This classic standing pilot house E.O.T. is constructed of heavy solid brass and was used on a single propeller ship. The faceplates include commands on both sides:(ASTERN) FINISHED WITH ENGINE, DEAD SLOW, SLOW, HALF, FULL. (AHEAD) STANDBY, DEAD SLOW, SLOW, HALF, FULL. STOP in center as marked with a brass arrow that moves with the trigger style indicator handles. The indicator handles lock into notched grooves above the commands in the top of the outer rings. Brass electronic side bell is intact and the E.O.T. houses an interior light with on/off switch located at the top of the squared pedestal with flaring base. An electric telegraph rather than mechanical in that the external bell used to ring when orders were changed rather than the internal mechanical bell. The manufacturer’s plate states “HENSCHEL CORPORATION DR.#10-1083 ALT.5 W. 2 CYCLES VOLTS 115.”
CONDITION: This engine room telegraph is complete and in showroom restored condition with polished brass housing, pedestal, handle and accessories. The interior light is in working order.Retail value: $4000.00
WWII Era Brass and Teak Compensating Binnacle (Compass)
A restored WWII era (probably from a Liberty ship) brass and teak compensating binnacle. Features a removable polished and lacquered brass hood with round porthole viewing window in front revealing the interior gimbaled compass, removable top lid for daylight and
additional viewing. The top of the binnacle cover is fitted with a removable auxiliary light. The housed gimbal compass is flanked by brass arms on both sides which support the painted metal compensating spheres. The interior liquid filled compass on the gimbal ring is marked “OBSERVATOR, ROTTERDAM, PILOT MK3. It is back lit with light adjustment. The tag on the front is somewhat illegible, but states “COMPENSATING BINNACLE, Mark vII model 2, 1942. Contract # NXS 1392 ”. The inclinometer mounted on the binnacle front is marked “LIONEL CORPORATION, NEW YORK U.S.A.”. A brass flinders bar is mounted on to the back and the front hinged door opens to view the binnacle interior. The brass pull in the front is the compass light adjustment. Brass rings are mounted on the center and base of the teak housing. This ship’s binnacle was most likely used aboard a US Navy liberty ship. The gimbaled compass may be a replacement.Retail value $5500.00
