Click for Westport Click for Perko Click for Furuno Click for Burger Click for Abeking

YACHTMETER - help identify

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Tim js, Aug 14, 2019.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. Tim js, Aug 14, 2019
    #1
    Tim js

    Tim js New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2019
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    san diego
    Any information on this item is greatly appreciated. I can not find any information on this item on-line. It is brass and weighs about 8 pounds. Age, application, value, ect...??
    Thanks.

    IMG_4311 SMALL.JPG IMG_4309 SMALL.JPG
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 14, 2019
  2. Capt Ralph, Aug 14, 2019
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,442
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Oh what a beautiful speed log.
    I know what it is & how it works,,, nothing about the mfg data itself.
  3. wdrzal, Aug 15, 2019
    #3
    wdrzal

    wdrzal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2006
    Messages:
    414
    Location:
    Allegheny Mountains of Western Pa
    Wondering if 96 is a model or patent number, never seen a 2 digit patent number. I would start with name and address and search the US patent office for drawings and description.
  4. Capt Ralph, Aug 15, 2019
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,442
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    I think 96 is a serial number.
  5. Fishtigua, Aug 15, 2019
    #5
    Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2007
    Messages:
    2,935
    Location:
    Guernsey/Antigua
    Looks very similar to a Walker Log. On Dad's 1939 sloop we only had 3 instruments, a compass, a depth sounder and a Walker Log. Sailed all over the Caribbean and South America with just those.
    Walker log.jpg
  6. captholli, Aug 15, 2019
    #6
    captholli

    captholli Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2010
    Messages:
    1,184
    Location:
    In The Bilge
    My thoughts also went to antique Taffrail log with gimbal mount.
  7. Tim js, Aug 15, 2019
    #7
    Tim js

    Tim js New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2019
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    san diego
    I have already tried searching patents with no luck. Patent number 96 would make it from 1836. Patent number 96 is a jig for weaving. Searches are limited to patent numbers and/or classification codes for pre-1976 patents and I don't know those. I'm guessing that it is 80-100 years old?? I spent a lot of time searching and have come up with nothing. I can't find any information on C. Ellis Ellicott Jr. or Yachtmeter. The address is (at least now) a residential area of Baltimore.
  8. captholli, Aug 15, 2019
    #8
    captholli

    captholli Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2010
    Messages:
    1,184
    Location:
    In The Bilge
    You'll get some hits searching C.Ellis Taffrail log. Seems collectors are willing to shell out some $$$ for these in good condition.
  9. captholli, Aug 15, 2019
    #9
    captholli

    captholli Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2010
    Messages:
    1,184
    Location:
    In The Bilge
    Sent U a PM with links.
    All others interested look up Ellicott Machine Corp. and family history , Quite the read between scientific instruments
    (Andrew Ellicott), Nautical instruments, Hydraulic dredges (Charles Ellis Ellicott) . Land survey gear used by Lewis and Clark. Dredges used in the Panama canal etc. Three very smart brothers with engineering degrees and a couple of good foundries began during the industrial revolution and in business until 20 yrs ago. There's even a Ellicott City founded by them in MD.
  10. rtrafford, Aug 15, 2019
    #10
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2019
    Messages:
    1,732
    Location:
    Vero Beach
    Address on label is a home that looks like C. Ellis still lives there...the joys of Google Earth and too much time on my hands...
  11. Tim js, Aug 17, 2019
    #11
    Tim js

    Tim js New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2019
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    san diego
    Thank you all for the help and info. I inherited this item and it was interested learning about its history. However, we have decided to sell it. If anyone here is interested in owning it, feel free to PM me with an offer........ worst I can say is no thanks. If your interested, for your convenience and safety, I can then list it for purchase through ebay.
    Thanks again.