Danforth Constellations Compass

Oct 6, 2018
113
Watkins 25 Seawolf Dunnellon / Crystal River
I'm looking at a late 80's Danforth Constellations Compass with the stainless enclosure for my Edson helm.

See photo attache.
Screenshot_20190804-125045_eBay.jpg

I confirmed that the compass card is not level. It is tilted towards the rear, as it appears in the photo. The compass card does spin freely and appears to point north.

I cannot find a manual. Does this compass have a stuck gimbal, or is it adjusted that way for easy viewing?
 
Oct 6, 2018
113
Watkins 25 Seawolf Dunnellon / Crystal River
I was wondering if it was either bound up or manually adjusted that way.

I'm not sure, but the other photos, he posted look like it is setting on a level surface.

How difficult would it be to repair? I'm a DIY guy, and see parts are available, although expensive. I've never been inside a compass before. If the gimbal IS bound up, is that an expensive fix?
 
Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
You can remove your compass and it send to Viking Compass (link below) who can repair your Danforth compass to new condition. That is what I did to restore my Danforth to new condition.
https://www.vikingcompass.com/
 
Oct 6, 2018
113
Watkins 25 Seawolf Dunnellon / Crystal River
Well, now that I didn't win it, I'll post a link. I was outbid 2 seconds before the auction ended. I am still looking for a similar compass. For someone in the know... What should I look for in a good deal, and what would be risky or not worth it?

There are quite a few brand new Ritchie compasses listed on eBay at great prices. I suspect these are knock-off though. My wife just bought her favorite perfume and it was a fake. She is trying to get her money back.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/333280122971
 
Oct 6, 2018
113
Watkins 25 Seawolf Dunnellon / Crystal River
You can remove your compass and it send to Viking Compass (link below) who can repair your Danforth compass to new condition. That is what I did to restore my Danforth to new condition.
https://www.vikingcompass.com/
If you don't mind, what model compass do you have, what did they replace and how much was the repair?
 
Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
They advised me it was an Aquameter A-180 with the Danforth C-401 bezel. They repaired the entire compass and made it brand new. Cost was ~$200 - 300. Contact the link below to get an estimate.

info@vikingoptics.com
 
Jul 22, 2011
146
Mariner Yacht Co.(NH) Mariner 28 Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Check the Ritchie website. I had ny Globemaster done a few year back, under $200. if I remember. I think they have a set price for compass refurb. there should also be a list of authorized facilities. I found one near me, so drop off and pick up, no worrying about shipping a compass. They did a great job too.
Since GPS is becoming so popular, I don't think compasses are selling that well. That may be part of the reason for less expensive compasses out there.
Link to the factory reconditioning info.
https://www.ritchienavigation.com/care-maintenance/service/factory-reconditioning-program/
 
Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
I found the receipt. It was $226. In January 2010 Viking Instruments purchased the entire inventory of Danforth and Aquameter compass parts as well as the tooling necessary to continue manufacturing replacement compass parts. Viking Instruments is the exclusive manufacture and distributer of Danforth and Aquameter compass parts and service.

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Oct 6, 2018
113
Watkins 25 Seawolf Dunnellon / Crystal River
Thank you for posting service prices. I didn't get the one I posted about originally. I also bid on a Ritchie Globe master that has already been serviced and has a new lense. It is a nice compass but does not have the cover. This should look real nice on top of my helm.

I was the high bidder, but didn't meat the reserve so I contacted the seller and we agreed on a price. I've submitted the offer and am waiting for it to be accepted. Fingers are crossed that the seller doesn't change his mind.

Screenshot_20190805-125337_eBay.jpg