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This Fine Relic Has Been Sold Thank you! MODEL OF SAILING SHIPS DOUBLE HEADED CAPSTAN as of Ca 1805    Patent Application Model SIZE: 10" W x  10" x 16" H           WEIGHT:  4 pounds Presented is an example of a double headed capstan that was used to raise the anchor of a sailing ship of the early 19th Century. The capstan was driven by wood bars inserted in the notches at the head of the capstan and were turned by two or more crew at each bar. The upper capstan was at deck level, and was used to hoist sails and yards on the masts and moving other heavy gear. The lower capstan was inside the hull and was used to hoist the anchor. As the size of the cable grew in diameter and became too large to  wind around the center of the capstan, a smaller line called a messenger was used. The messenger was attached to the anchor cable using small removable lines called stoppers that gripped the anchor cable as it was raised.  As the cable reached the hold access, they were removed and the anchor cable was fed into the chain locker where it was coiled for future use. It could be a long process depending on how much of the cable was in the water. This type of model that could possibly accompany a patent application except that it is missing the pawls and there is no ratcheting mechanism to hold the drum from reversing direction. We believe it is intended to be a display model British ship’s anchor capstan.  It is finely finished with a varnish coating.    Looking up at double headed capstan model    Close up of the upper capstan     .   View at eye level of the ratchet on lower capstan  BELOW, as a comparative example - THE SMTHSONIAN CAPSTAN PATENT MODEL:   The model is made of wood with metal shafts and cogs. It measures 14" L x 10" H x 6 1/2" W. Two boards joined by four corner posts represent the decks of a vessel. On the upper deck sits a capstan (furnished with one sample capstan bar); next to it is a shaft end, ready to receive a small gear or pinion (now missing). Between the two decks there are three vertical shafts, each mounting one or two gears. One shaft is formed into a crank. Credit Smithsoian Institute CONDITION: The model is in excellent condition. There are no pawls fitted to the model which would keep it from turning backwards due to a load.   SHIPPING:  Flat rate shipping to the 48 contiguous States is $40.00 OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase, it may be returned, if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer within the continental United States and are refundable if due to our error. International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, Republic of China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Hebrides (Vanuatu), New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI, Vanuatu (New Hebrides) and the Eastern Caribbean. STANDARD FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to us so that the use of credit cards or PayPal incur extra charges. Terms on overseas sales are different.  Copyright 2014 Land And Sea Collection™. All Rights Reserved!