Ship's wheel of impressive proportions in solid oak with brass mounts, English or American, circa 1900. The wheel with ten baluster-turned spokes terminating in shaped handgrips, the heavy sectioned rim faced with a continuous brass band secured by pins, centered by a substantial polished brass hub plate with a keyed boss for the steering shaft.
Wheels of this pattern were fitted to sailing vessels and early motor yachts at the turn of the twentieth century, when steering gear was still built to last generations. The ten-spoke form, the depth of the rim, and the quality of the turning all point to a vessel of real size, and by repute, this example served aboard a schooner before spending its later life ashore.
The wheel comes from a private collection in the Florida Keys, where it remained for more than seventy years. The Keys have a long tradition of ship salvage and maritime recovery, stretching back to the wrecking era of the nineteenth century, and old wheels such as this were prized fixtures in the islands' resorts and waterfront establishments. Few survive in such complete and original condition.
The oak retains a deep, mellow color and an old surface, while the brass band and hub have a soft, polished patina. Condition is very good throughout, with honest wear to the handgrips consistent with working use and minor age splits to the rim sections, all stable. The wheel is ready for display, whether wall-mounted as a sculpture or fitted to a binnacle or pedestal.
Ship's wheel of impressive proportions in solid oak with brass mounts, English or American, circa 1900. The wheel with ten baluster-turned spokes terminating in shaped handgrips, the heavy sectioned rim faced with a continuous brass band secured by pins, centered by a substantial polished brass hub plate with a keyed boss for the steering shaft.
Wheels of this pattern were fitted to sailing vessels and early motor yachts at the turn of the twentieth century, when steering gear was still built to last generations. The ten-spoke form, the depth of the rim, and the quality of the turning all point to a vessel of real size, and by repute, this example served aboard a schooner before spending its later life ashore.
The wheel comes from a private collection in the Florida Keys, where it remained for more than seventy years. The Keys have a long tradition of ship salvage and maritime recovery, stretching back to the wrecking era of the nineteenth century, and old wheels such as this were prized fixtures in the islands' resorts and waterfront establishments. Few survive in such complete and original condition.
The oak retains a deep, mellow color and an old surface, while the brass band and hub have a soft, polished patina. Condition is very good throughout, with honest wear to the handgrips consistent with working use and minor age splits to the rim sections, all stable. The wheel is ready for display, whether wall-mounted as a sculpture or fitted to a binnacle or pedestal.
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