Handmade Shiny Brass Binnacle Helmet Gimballed Compass Navigate Precision Vintage Maritime Sailor's Collection Ship Sailor Compass

First I would like to say this is a decorative maritime item, not a real vintage ship fitting. That being said it really displays nicely and it realy works as far as the compass goes. The compass was detached when it arrived but was easaly assembled in a few minutes with very little effort. In theory the oil lamp could work but I would highly recomend not trying it as there is no ventilation for the flame. Overall, about $50 shipped in 2 days was the best bargain for this on Amazon and better deal than any on the Bay that I could find.

Difficult to assemble, parts just don't fit. I had to 'Mickey Mouse' mine together. They include no way to mount the compass dial into the brass dome/shell. No instructions or paperwork, none, come with it. Had they put a little more effort into engineering this it would be great.I I at last got mine together it looks good.Other commenters noted scratches on the inside of the dome shell, but I actually think the scratches look cool, makes it look real and 'weathered'.Under NO circumstances use this on a vessel to navigate. Rocks are hard, boats are soft, and the ocean has no mercy.

The compass was not mounted inside the binnacle, but instead was loose. You have to mount it yourself. This is extremely difficult, trying to hook it in on both sides, given the extremely tight, confined space inside of the binnacle.Also, the interior paint is very badly scratched. Definitely not worth the money.

Looks are every thing, this is built very light, most housings are much heavier. That being said, it looks great and has an oil lamp in the side housing. I lite the lamp and let it discolor the vented top and door. I mounted it on the top of my wheel stanchion .. too cool It's a fake wheel mount in my house, we move it out of the way all the time, but it still looks cool.

Exterior was fine. The problem is the interior was all beat up and unfortunately, it's all visible through the glass. I suppose I could have sanded it down and repainted the inside, but I was not looking for a project when I placed this order.

Because there's no vents for the oil lamp to get air the LAMP DOOR as to stay partly open or the lamp will go out within 1 minute. Great for looks though.

Nice for the money

The brass is a lot thinner than expected. Do not like that it is painted white inside and it would have been nice if the compass would have worked.