Odd, Old, Obscure or Mysterious Nautical Things and Boats

[Steadman Uhlich]

Introduction:
This thread is for any members to post photos of odd, old, obscure, or mysterious nautical things, items, and boats.

I enjoy seeing old, antique, and often obscure Nautical items in maritime museums, antique stores, and junk shops. Some are obsolete and seldom seen or rare. That is where the fun of guessing their use or imaging using them comes in.

I am starting this thread where we can all post these odd items that may arouse curiosity or imagination or a chuckle or laugh. I encourage you to post photos of these types of items or boats in this thread, along with a brief description. Or post an item that you found that is unknown to you. If you see something odd or unusual on a boat or in a harbor, post it here. If you see an odd piece of gear or a very odd boat, post it here.

I hope you enjoy viewing these items and this discussion or visual mix as it develops over time. Please share what you can, when you can.

Happy Hunting!

[Steadman Uhlich]

I always enjoy seeing old nautical items in junk shops and museums. Here is one I had never seen before. Anyone know it's name, use, history, cost, or ever used one?

I am guessing it is an old form of autopilot or gyrocompass, perhaps from 1950s or 1960s. Who knows?
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Photo from Abreu Boatworks

[IdoraKeeper]

If there is a light source and mirrors, it might be an old Sperry autopilot.

[Mirage35]

Will I be accused of thread drift if I expand it to obscure nautical trades and activities? This one is called a "rigger", working in conditions that I personally would try to avoid. Although it is a nice day for it.

(Vessel "Polly Woodside", Melbourne Maritime Museum, 1982)

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by AnglaisInHull

Will I be accused of thread drift if I expand it to obscure nautical trades and activities? This one is called a "rigger", working in conditions that I personally would try to avoid. Although it is a nice day for it.

(Vessel "Polly Woodside", Melbourne Maritime Museum, 1982)

No Problem! No worries! Please DO add odd or ancient or lesser known or mysterious or wacky or obsolete THINGS or BOATS or gadgets to this evergreen (ongoing) thread or exhibit. .

Bring one, bring ALL, to the Magical Mysterious Show and Tell Exhibition of Marine Curiosities.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

I always enjoy seeing old nautical items in junk shops and museums. Here is one I had never seen before. Anyone know it's name, use, history, cost, or ever used one?

I am guessing it is an old form of autopilot or gyrocompass, perhaps from 1950s or 1960s. Who knows?
------------

Photo from Abreu Boatworks

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I am no authority on these, but several other Old Salts wrote me to say this is something and I will share it with you here.

This has been identified as an old model fluxgate compass, used for an autopilot.

The item appears to be an old model "Cetec Benmar Model Boat Marine Autopilot Binnacle Fluxgate Compass."

Here is a more recent version. I prefer the old style binnacle housing which looks salty with that nice patina.

[Steadman Uhlich]

I like fiddles. I want them.

There can be more than one kind of fiddle on a boat. For example there can be a "Fiddle block" (named for its shape which resembles a fiddle). See photos of a modern and traditional wood Fiddle Block.

Most of us know of "fiddles" (fiddle edge) as being the raised edges of a table, countertop, or shelf. But did you ever wonder HOW it came to be called a "fiddle" edge? Hmmm....

Here is another thing about Fiddles:

I like traditional boats. Some sailors may not know this: a "fiddle board" or "fiddle edge" on traditional boats was a raised edge on a table (most know that)

Why call it a "Fiddle Edge?"
It is because STRINGS were used across the surface of the table or board (attached to the raised edge or "fiddle edge" ) and that then the strings (which were raised an inch or more by the fiddle edges) would keep cups, mugs, or other things from sliding across the table.

The multiple strings (like a web) going across the table then keeps things in place, and give it its name. The STRINGS are what make it appear like a "fiddle" (stringed musical instrument). Pretty cool eh?

You could install fiddle strings on your own table too.The point is that it keeps things from sliding ACROSS the table. So that it is not just about having something on the EDGE of the table that keeps things from falling off. Fiddle STRINGS can keep the item IN PLACE on the table. Nowadays the sticky, grippy, rubber mats serve that purpose, but back in the day....

[Steadman Uhlich]

Fiddle Blocks

[captain58sailin]

Try these on for size, out of the British museum.

[SailingFan]

Originally Posted by captain58sailin

Try these on for size, out of the British museum.

Guessing a ballast ball or perhaps MAYBE a retrieved cannon ball. The other one... Hmm.. Looks like the ram's horn set like on my boom??

[CREX]

Came off an old Tasmanian ketch from the 50's. Had it about 25 years now. Works great. Accurate.

[captain58sailin]

I believe it is a ballast rock, and the ram's head.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by CREX

Attachment 133985

Came off an old Tasmanian ketch from the 50's. Had it about 25 years now. Works great. Accurate.

I always like seeing old compasses.

[Calif.Ted]

I'd suppose it to be a stone cannon ball and the end for a botefeux, a stick used to hold a winding of match with which to fire the cannon.
My photo is a boat which caught my eye as "unusual", turns out there were a handful of them made.

[SailingFan]

Ted, I would call that a Motor-Sailer for sure!