DESCRIPTION: Attractive German lithograph ca. 1870 of naval flags and ensigns titled "Seewesen". Shown with nautical and navigational artifacts including a sounding lead (60). As is typical on antique sounding leads, the center was left hollow to receive a soft piece of wax or tallow. The wax would pick up sediment (rocks, sand, silt) from the bottom enabling the navigator to possess simultaneous knowledge of another variable in addition to water depth.
Together water depth and bottom composition helped provide a more accurate estimate of a ship's position. Sailing directions for hundred of years were likely to carry information about the sea floor such as "When the big rock is about 1/2 mile distant off your port beam and you find 20 fathoms of water and sandy bottom you are appproaching the rivers' mouth. Be sure to keep at least 6 fathoms and beware stony bottom at edges of channel."
Other instruments include a compass, taffrail log, sextant, speaking trumpet and barometer.
Attribution at bottom beneath mat reads : "Druck und verlag von F.A.Brockhaus in Leipzig". Archivally matted. Total size with mat is 17" W x 14" H. Sheet
PUBLICATION DATE: 1870
GEOGRAPHIC AREA: Germany
BODY OF WATER: N/A
CONDITION: Very good.
Very clean. Slight age-toning.
COLORING: Bright multi-color lithograph
ENGRAVER: Unknown
SIZE: 12
" x
9 "
ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 0
PRICE: $99
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