An American Mid-Nineteenth Century Eight Spoke Oak Ship's Wheel

Handcrafted, 19th century (circa 1855) 47 inch ship's wheel, originally used aboard an American, probably New England tall ship. Created out of red oak with a cast iron hub with 1 1/2 inch straight shaft. Features eight stylish ring turned cylindrical spokes ending in classic wood handles. The outer oak four-quarter ring is supported on the front side by the use of hand-cut copper butterfly joints. These joints were most likely added at some point to keep the applied quarter rings from warping. This 19th century wheel displays a gorgeous and prominent patina. Measures 47 inches from handle tip to handle tip. Depth: 2 1/2 inches. Weighs 30 pounds.

CONDITION: There are two small wood patches on the end of the quarter rounds (on the backside). The wood surface was re-varnished sometime during it's maritime history. As an authentic maritime antique, the wheel shows signs of use commensurate with it's mid 19th century age.

The previous owner stated that the wheel was removed from the clipper ship "Donald McKay" built by Donald McKay in his shipyard on Border Street, East Boston. Unfortunately, this provenance needs to be weighed as "hearsay" since there is no actual documentation to prove it's authenticity.