🧭 Precision Craftsmanship by E.S. Ritchie
Renowned for his innovations in marine instrumentation, E.S. Ritchie set the global standard for ship compasses. This piece, serial number 27216, features a gimballed dry card compass, suspended within a finely dovetailed oak wood case with original brass fittings and hinges.
Each detail—from the compass rose to the handwritten bearing diagram—reflects the legacy of American maritime engineering. Still functional, the floating card spins freely within the gimbal, testifying to the enduring quality of Ritchie’s work.
🧬 Provenance: The Honourable Louis Orville Breithaupt
What sets this compass apart is its documented provenance. It was mounted on Argossy, the private bridge deck cruiser of Louis O. Breithaupt, a towering figure in 20th-century Ontario:
- Mayor of Kitchener (former Berlin), Ontario
- Member of Parliament
- President of Breithaupt Leather Company
- Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (1952–1957)
Argossy was more than a yacht—it was a symbol of Breithaupt’s refined lifestyle and his role in post-war Canadian society. Hosting guests and dignitaries, the cruiser sailed across Ontario’s lakes, guided by this very compass.
📜 Historical and Cultural Significance
This compass tells two stories: one of maritime excellence, and one of Canadian heritage. Its connection to Breithaupt links it to a legacy of civic leadership, industrial prosperity, and cultural development in Ontario.
Its physical features—the preserved box, engraved markings, and even navigational notes—turn it into a narrative artifact, not just a collector’s item. It captures a moment in time: a journey taken, a course charted, a life in public service.
📦 Materials & Features
- Maker: E.S. Ritchie, Boston
- Materials: Brass, glass, and oak
- Compass Mechanism: Gimballed dry card with floating needle
- Markings: “E.S. RITCHIE – BOSTON – 27216”
- Box: Dovetailed oak with brass fittings
- Condition: Excellent vintage; minor age-appropriate wear
- Provenance: From the Argossy, private yacht of L.O. Breithaupt
📐 Dimensions
- Box: Approx. 15.25" x 15.25" x 7"
- Compass Diameter: Approx. 9.25"
🏷️ Own a Piece of History
This is more than an object—it’s a legacy. A compass that once helped steer a leader through Canadian waters now offers collectors and historians a tangible link to nautical and civic heritage.
Exclusively available at RelicandRarity.com
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For more about this item and its fascinating backstory, watch our video on YouTube.