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19thC Nautical Six Spoke Solid Brass Yacht Steering Wheel. American, Circa 1870

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
This 19th century American solid brass ship steering wheel was, more than likely, from a yacht. Fishing and commercial boats were more inclined to use cast iron and/or wood; the brass adds an element of luxury. It has a fair amount of weight to it, weighing in at 32 pounds, and measures 31" in diameter with a depth of 2" at the hub. The wheel is designed with six rounded solid brass spokes with "brass plated on iron" ends protruding from the circular main wheel. A circular threaded hole on a spoke of the wheel would have accommodated a screw-in wooden handle.

The brass wheel is in very good and all original condition with no repairs, maintaining a lovely finish with a warm vintage patina to the surface. The yacht wheel is professionally mounted for vertical display on a custom made museum quality metal stand; beautifully presented with wheel turning capability. The stand weighs 29 pounds and was designed and calculated specifically for this wheel, for support and display presentation.

Yacht wheels were originally mounted on a hub which was connected upright to a rudder, facilitating left to right steering direction by turning the wheel clockwise or counter clockwise.

This wheel was acquired from a prominent maritime collection and would make a wonderful addition to a collection of boats or nautical items, or simply as a stand alone piece of folk art. It can sit on a shelf or a table top, or would look terrific on a mantel.
Dimensions:
Wheel = 31" diameter x 2" deep
height with stand = 32"
depth with stand = 9"

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Brass,Cast
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	723502

Dimensions

H.	2 in;	Diam.	31 in;
H.	5.08 cm;	Diam.	78.74 cm;

Message from Seller:

Clive Devenish Antiques has been specializing in antique mechanical banks, toys, decorative arts, and 18th and 19th century furniture for over 40 years. For more information, contact 510.414.4545 or email clivedevenishantiques@comcast.net.