29th Apr, 2009 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Popham)
223
[M] SIR JOHN ISAAC THORNYCROFT'S LETTERS PATENT:...
SIR JOHN ISAAC THORNYCROFT'S LETTERS PATENT: "IMPROVEMENTS IN TORPEDO APPARATUS FOR VESSELS", 30TH AUGUST, 1877
printed and annotated on vellum and mounted with two technical drawings for his side-launch davit system either side of the wax seal of state -- 34½ x 39½in. (87.5 x 100.5cm.) overall
Having noted the success, in principal at least, of the torpedo in the American Civil War, the Admiralty began their own developments in their design and delivery. The main limitation of the spar torpedoes used in the American conflict had been the necessity for a vessel to get close enough to engage. In March 1877, Thornycroft demonstrated a spar attack on a hulk with The Times noting that after the explosion the little craft ..went round and round for a few moments and quietly resumed the direction of the squadron. Clearly a "fish" torpedo would be needed and, having acquired the patents from Whitehead in 1871, the Arsenal at Woolwich made several improvements. Thorneycroft built the Navy's first torpedo boat Lightning (later named TB.1) in 1877 which carried a forward facing tube. The later versions carried twin torpedoes, mounted in the system patented in this lot by Sir John I. Thornycroft.
Estimated at £400 - £600
printed and annotated on vellum and mounted with two technical drawings for his side-launch davit system either side of the wax seal of state -- 34½ x 39½in. (87.5 x 100.5cm.) overall
Having noted the success, in principal at least, of the torpedo in the American Civil War, the Admiralty began their own developments in their design and delivery. The main limitation of the spar torpedoes used in the American conflict had been the necessity for a vessel to get close enough to engage. In March 1877, Thornycroft demonstrated a spar attack on a hulk with The Times noting that after the explosion the little craft ..went round and round for a few moments and quietly resumed the direction of the squadron. Clearly a "fish" torpedo would be needed and, having acquired the patents from Whitehead in 1871, the Arsenal at Woolwich made several improvements. Thorneycroft built the Navy's first torpedo boat Lightning (later named TB.1) in 1877 which carried a forward facing tube. The later versions carried twin torpedoes, mounted in the system patented in this lot by Sir John I. Thornycroft.
SIR JOHN ISAAC THORNYCROFT'S LETTERS PATENT: "IMPROVEMENTS IN TORPEDO APPARATUS FOR VESSELS", 30TH AUGUST, 1877
printed and annotated on vellum and mounted with two technical drawings for his side-launch davit system either side of the wax seal of state -- 34½ x 39½in. (87.5 x 100.5cm.) overall
Having noted the success, in principal at least, of the torpedo in the American Civil War, the Admiralty began their own developments in their design and delivery. The main limitation of the spar torpedoes used in the American conflict had been the necessity for a vessel to get close enough to engage. In March 1877, Thornycroft demonstrated a spar attack on a hulk with The Times noting that after the explosion the little craft ..went round and round for a few moments and quietly resumed the direction of the squadron. Clearly a "fish" torpedo would be needed and, having acquired the patents from Whitehead in 1871, the Arsenal at Woolwich made several improvements. Thorneycroft built the Navy's first torpedo boat Lightning (later named TB.1) in 1877 which carried a forward facing tube. The later versions carried twin torpedoes, mounted in the system patented in this lot by Sir John I. Thornycroft.
printed and annotated on vellum and mounted with two technical drawings for his side-launch davit system either side of the wax seal of state -- 34½ x 39½in. (87.5 x 100.5cm.) overall
Having noted the success, in principal at least, of the torpedo in the American Civil War, the Admiralty began their own developments in their design and delivery. The main limitation of the spar torpedoes used in the American conflict had been the necessity for a vessel to get close enough to engage. In March 1877, Thornycroft demonstrated a spar attack on a hulk with The Times noting that after the explosion the little craft ..went round and round for a few moments and quietly resumed the direction of the squadron. Clearly a "fish" torpedo would be needed and, having acquired the patents from Whitehead in 1871, the Arsenal at Woolwich made several improvements. Thorneycroft built the Navy's first torpedo boat Lightning (later named TB.1) in 1877 which carried a forward facing tube. The later versions carried twin torpedoes, mounted in the system patented in this lot by Sir John I. Thornycroft.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Popham), 29th Apr, 2009
