MAGNETIC COMPASS AZIMUTH CIRCLE 1985 BAKER, LYMAN & CO. NEW ORLEANS GFC-190 FAST 13:37

MAGNETIC COMPASS AZIMUTH CIRCLE 1985 BAKER, LYMAN & CO. NEW ORLEANS GFC-190 FAST

Product Description: Baker, Lyman & Co. GFC-190 Magnetic Compass Azimuth Circle

Vintage Professional Marine Navigation Instrument

Manufacturer: Baker, Lyman & Co.
Year of Manufacture: 1985
Place of Origin: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Model: GFC-190 (Azimuth Circle for a 7.5″ compass bowl)
Condition: FAST (Found As Shipboard Treasure) – Please see condition notes.

Overview

This is a classic Magnetic Compass Azimuth Circle manufactured in 1985 by the renowned American nautical instrument maker, Baker, Lyman & Co. of New Orleans. The Azimuth Circle, model GFC-190, is a precision optical instrument designed to be mounted on a ship’s main magnetic compass to take highly accurate visual bearings of terrestrial objects, celestial bodies, and other vessels.

Built to the exacting standards expected of commercial and naval maritime equipment, this instrument represents the peak of traditional, non-electronic navigation technology just before the widespread adoption of GPS.

Key Features & Components

• Precision-Built Housing: The main body is constructed from durable, non-magnetic brass or bronze, finished in a classic black crinkle enamel, designed to withstand the harsh marine environment.

• Optical Sight System: Features a forward sighting vane with a narrow slit and an aft sighting vane with a built-in magnifying eyepiece and a fine, taut sighting wire. This allows for precise alignment with a target.

• Prism and Mirror Assembly: A key feature is the 45° prism and mirror system. When mounted on the compass, this allows the navigator to see the compass card reading (the bearing) simultaneously while sighting the object, enabling a single operator to take a bearing quickly and accurately.

• Sun Azimuth Attachment: Includes a secondary vane with a reflecting dark glass (sunglass) for taking safe and accurate bearings of the sun.

• Vernier Scale: The rotating outer ring is equipped with a finely engraved vernier scale, allowing for bearings to be read with a high degree of precision (typically to 0.1° or 0.2°).

• Lifting Knobs: Two prominent knobs facilitate easy and safe handling and placement onto the compass bowl.

• Original Branding: Clearly marked with the manufacturer’s name, location, model number, and year of manufacture, affirming its authenticity and American heritage.

Technical Specifications

• Model: GFC-190

• Compatibility: Designed to fit a standard 7.5-inch (190mm) diameter magnetic compass bowl, a common size on many vessels.

• Manufacturer: Baker, Lyman & Co., New Orleans

• Year: 1985

Intended Use & Application

This azimuth circle was an essential tool for a ship’s navigator or officer on watch. Its primary functions included:

1. Taking Visual Bearings: To fix a ship’s position by taking bearings of lighthouses, headlands, towers, and other charted objects.

2. Celestial Navigation: To take azimuths (bearings) of the sun, moon, or stars for compass error checks and celestial fixes.

3. Compass Adjustment: To determine a ship’s deviation by comparing a magnetic bearing taken with the azimuth circle to a true bearing from the chart.

4. Collision Avoidance: To accurately measure the bearing of an approaching vessel to determine risk of collision.

Condition: FAST (Found As Shipboard Treasure)

This item is sold in FAST condition. This means it is pre-owned and shows signs of its service life at sea. It was fully functional when last used and has been in storage since.

• Expected Wear: May include light surface corrosion, scuffs, paint loss on the lifting knobs, and minor tarnishing on brass components.

• Optical Clarity: The sighting prism, mirror, and glass are expected to be in good, usable condition but may have light scratches or dust.

• Functionality: All moving parts rotate smoothly. The instrument is complete with no missing components.

Who Is This For?

This classic azimuth circle is ideal for:

• Marine Collectors & Historians: A superb example of American maritime instrument manufacturing.

• Restorers of Classic Boats & Ships: The perfect period-correct navigation instrument for a vessel built in the 1980s or earlier.

• Practical Navigators: An excellent backup tool for traditional navigation, independent of electronics and power.

• Nautical Decor: A fantastic and authentic conversation piece for a home, office, or restaurant with a maritime theme.