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From: K-Man
Category: Shipwreck Research
Date: 29 Nov 2006
Time: 15:32:55
Remote Name: 128.156.10.80
Hi, Jim –
There are many features that can also help identify the time period of a wreck, both in construction and equipment styles. Any one feature can sometimes be misleading, and you have to take the set as a whole to get a good feel for it. For equipment, the anchor and capstan styles are frequently useful.
Anchors – Early to mid-1800 anchors had metal stocks but were not folding. Anchors in the mid-to-late 1800’s had the classic wood stocks. The very late 1800’s reverted back to metal stocks, but they were usually foldable for easier stowage and sometimes had swiveling arms.
Capstans – Mid-1800’s capstans had large cylindrical heads that looked rather square. Late 1800’s capstans had the small rounded heads that blended into the lower body in a smooth, graceful manner.
Concerning tonnage marks, although the rules were in place to have tonnage markings earlier, the rules were not rigorously enforced until the late 1860’s. So if a wreck does not have them, it could still date into the 1860’s. Also, it is my understanding these marks were not always placed on the forward hatch but sometimes on the first beam forward of the hatch. This would mean you’d have to get under the deck to see it. This is not always possible if the hold is filled with cargo.
Good luck with identifying the wreck, Kevin