#082 Dake Engine Company Ships Steering Station
Dake Engine Company of Grand Haven, Michigan, was founded in 1887 by William F. Dake and originally produced his new invention, the double reciprocating, square piston steam engine. The company expanded into nautical equipment in the early 1900’s and then struggled to survive through the Great Depression. But during World War II, Dake manufactured more than 10,000 steam engines, steering gears, windlasses, and capstans for the new Liberty cargo ships built for the war effort. Today, Dake produces industrial machine tools that have been featured on several TV shows including Orange County Choppers and X-treme 4x4.
This steering station made by Dake Engine Company wears serial #80449 and is estimated to be circa 1930’s. The rudder indicator arrow is fully functional when the wheel is spun in either direction. The station is made completely of heavy brass including the cast wheel which measures 42″ in diameter. The entire station stands ~53″ tall to the top of a vertical spoke handle. The pedestal (without wheel) measures 35″ tall and is mounted on a wood base. There are 6 spokes on the wheel, with the “King Spoke” identified by multiple rings cut into in the handle. The total weight is approximately 160 pounds.
This will make a wonderful conversation piece for the nautical enthusiast or collector. It is truly a unique artifact from a great time in nautical history.
Dake Engine Company of Grand Haven, Michigan, was founded in 1887 by William F. Dake and originally produced his new invention, the double reciprocating, square piston steam engine. The company expanded into nautical equipment in the early 1900’s and then struggled to survive through the Great Depression. But during World War II, Dake manufactured more than 10,000 steam engines, steering gears, windlasses, and capstans for the new Liberty cargo ships built for the war effort. Today, Dake produces industrial machine tools that have been featured on several TV shows including Orange County Choppers and X-treme 4x4.
This steering station made by Dake Engine Company wears serial #80449 and is estimated to be circa 1930’s. The rudder indicator arrow is fully functional when the wheel is spun in either direction. The station is made completely of heavy brass including the cast wheel which measures 42″ in diameter. The entire station stands ~53″ tall to the top of a vertical spoke handle. The pedestal (without wheel) measures 35″ tall and is mounted on a wood base. There are 6 spokes on the wheel, with the “King Spoke” identified by multiple rings cut into in the handle. The total weight is approximately 160 pounds.
This will make a wonderful conversation piece for the nautical enthusiast or collector. It is truly a unique artifact from a great time in nautical history.
Dake Engine Company of Grand Haven, Michigan, was founded in 1887 by William F. Dake and originally produced his new invention, the double reciprocating, square piston steam engine. The company expanded into nautical equipment in the early 1900’s and then struggled to survive through the Great Depression. But during World War II, Dake manufactured more than 10,000 steam engines, steering gears, windlasses, and capstans for the new Liberty cargo ships built for the war effort. Today, Dake produces industrial machine tools that have been featured on several TV shows including Orange County Choppers and X-treme 4x4.
This steering station made by Dake Engine Company wears serial #80449 and is estimated to be circa 1930’s. The rudder indicator arrow is fully functional when the wheel is spun in either direction. The station is made completely of heavy brass including the cast wheel which measures 42″ in diameter. The entire station stands ~53″ tall to the top of a vertical spoke handle. The pedestal (without wheel) measures 35″ tall and is mounted on a wood base. There are 6 spokes on the wheel, with the “King Spoke” identified by multiple rings cut into in the handle. The total weight is approximately 160 pounds.
This will make a wonderful conversation piece for the nautical enthusiast or collector. It is truly a unique artifact from a great time in nautical history.