Crewmen at the helm

[frontrank2]

Union sailors at the helm of the USS Hartford. The Hartford was the flagship of Admiral Farragut during his assault on Mobile Bay.

 

[Reconstructed Rebel]

I'm wondering what those two cylinders are on either side of the wheel? To my non-nautical eye they look like stoves to keep the men steering the ship warm.

 

[frontrank2]

I'm wondering what those two cylinders are on either side of the wheel? To my non-nautical eye they look like stoves to keep the men steering the ship warm.

I believe one, possibly both, are binnacles which are standing instrument housings for the ship's magnetic compass. Usually waist high for quick reference.

 

[frontrank2]

And probably illuminated by a small oil lamp.

 

[Reconstructed Rebel]

And if it is two of them, it shows it is always a good idea to have a backup…

 

[Robert Gray]

Photograph by McPherson & Oliver aboard the USS Hartford, probably in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Left to right) Seaman Joseph Cassier, Captain of the Forecastle John McFarland, Landsman James Reddington and Quartermaster James Wood. McFarland received the Medal of Honor.

Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs (Library of Congress).
LC-DIG-ppmsca-52028

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

I'm willing to bet these sailors knew some "salty" vocabulary and had no problem with gulping down a daily "rum ration" or two.

 

[rebelatsea]

I believe one, possibly both, are binnacles which are standing instrument housings for the ship's magnetic compass. Usually waist high for quick reference.

These two have oil lamps in the top for illumination in darkness or poor visibility the sight glasses for the compass will be facing the helmsman at about waist height. Some Binnacles had the compass at the top under glass with provision for an external light.

 

[rebelatsea]

I'm willing to bet these sailors knew some "salty" vocabulary and had no problem with gulping down a daily "rum ration" or two.

I bet the grumpy old salt at left rear did. All he can see is the back of the guy in front.