Ships wheel from the Thames sailing barge ''British Empire'' built by Stone Bros. in 1899.Cast iron 4 spoke wheel with a brass handle to one spoke and eight turned wooden handles, on an oak display pedestal inscribed ''BRITISH EMPIRE - 1899''Wheel diameter: 115cm With wall mounting brackets. British Empire was built in 1899 by Stone Brothers, Brightlingsea, Essex, for Henry Howe of Colchester, Essex. 50 tons. Number: 109616. In her earlier years was employed in taking hay to London. Official No. 109616. She was based at Colchester throughout her working life, and an engine was installed in 1951. She continued in trade until about 1955 when she sank loaded off Brightlingsea. She was raised and sold to Brown, the Chelmsford timber merchant, for use as a lighter in Heybridge Basin when the register was closed 3 Feb 1955. She was sold and re-rigged 1978, but has finished up as a hulk at Battlesbridge, on the River Crouch.Height is 145cm (57.1inches)
Width is 115cm (45.3inches)
Depth is 0cm (0.0inches)