Wood and Brass Ship Wheel 60"

During the Age of Exploration, as lengthy voyages became common, the ropes that attached the ship’s wheel to the rudder often stretched out of form, causing the ship to steer incorrectly. It wasn’t until 1771 that a new rope system, with a design of “sweeps and rowles,” was implemented to correct this problem. Combined with higher quality rope made from rawhide instead of hemp, the wooden ship wheel was able to control the ship better and with less force. By the end of the 1700s proper wood ship wheels were standard aboard Danish ships, and the British had adopted them by the 1820s. Along with these advancements, the antique ship wheel itself evolved as sailors implemented small changes over the course of years. The size of the wooden ship wheel grew, often as physically large as to fit reasonably on deck, allowing for maximum leverage by any sailor or sailors operating it. Carved brackets became standard for holding the wheel, while the barrel became larger at the ends than in the middle to better keep the rope in order. On some wooden ship wheels steadying grooves were actually carved into the barrel, with the rope nailed to the center then wrapped five to seven times around it for smooth tension. Wheel spokes radiated from the center, out through the rim rather than ending at it, allowing for a stronger build as well as creating a handle for the helmsman. Usually ten spokes were used, spaced 36 degrees apart, with the handles carved by lathe for a smooth and more comfortable grip. Along with this, the inside of the rims were carved with traditional symbols to bring sailors and the ship itself good luck.