17th century binnacle

[rusty spike]

OK hope this is the rifht forum for this. I was thinking about adding a binnacle compass to my navigation display but I don't know what they look like. I have found some late in the 18th century but no nreal early ones need help thanks

[Silver]

it should be in a wooden box about 7in by 7in or around there with a sliding lid, should be gimbled and the card turns, no needle also the marking on the card should have the fleur-de-lis for north and a maltess cross for east (holy land) don't forget the 32 points they don't have to be mark most will just have the fleur and cross, sailor knew there compass. if you can get your hands on a copy of fisher's "latitude hooks and azimuth rings" that will get you started on the "right course"

[Daniel]

The 1706 Sea-Man's Vade Mecum calls the binnacle a "bittack." "Bittacle" is also a common 18th century word for the binnacle.