Lovely Perko Skylight Yacht Binnacle & Compass, c. 1950’s

Perko Skylight Yacht Binnacle & Compass, c. 1950’s

The skylight binnacle is a peek into the golden days of yachting - 1880 to perhaps 1920.

Their popularity increased after one was seen aboard the motor vessel "Santana" in the movie "Key Largo" (1948) starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Bogie also had one in the cockpit of his famous yawl Santana. PERKO discontinued making them about 1954, and Ritchie did the same. Thereafter, the only source of skylight binnacles was from Danforth priced at $3400.00, until they discontinued all compass production in 2009. In 2011 Ritchie Navigation introduced a new skylight binnacle. It was list-priced at $3600.00 in chrome. <P>

This binnacle, in chrome, must have been one of the last Perko produced. It graced the wheelhouse of a Matthews motor yacht built in the mid 1950’s, and was removed from the vessel when the owner sold it in 1976. Since that time, it has been in the family library, as a reminder of good times past. <P>

Condition is excellent. The chrome finish is excellent, never have been exposed directly to the weather. The compass, made by STAR for Perko, is full of fluid, and behaving correctly. A bit of Noxon chrome polish and an hour’s work will restore the “showroom” look to the binnacle, and the classic design of the compass itself will attest to the age of both. <P>

The diameter of the mounting flange is 9 inches, and the overall height is just over 12 inches. <P>

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