As mentioned in a previous article, we have a current project going titled Artifacts in the Park where we are working on cleaning up some of our large, metal objects (anchors, cannons, propellers, etc.) after being sponsored by someone, or a group of someones. These artifacts will then be moved out to areas all over the park for our visitors to enjoy. No sense in keeping all of our awesome objects to ourselves!
The first object I’m going to discuss is an iron stock Trotman type anchor, ca 1852-1890 (Accession # DA 64). This particular design was patented in 1852 by John Trotman (hence the name), who had improved upon the designs of Hornibal, Porter and Piper. This type of anchor was frequently used in the marine merchant service.
The above image shows the anchor being picked up by our crane operated by Mike, one of our buildings and grounds guys. From here they put it in the back of a truck and hauled it away to Davis Boat Works, who so kindly volunteered to help us out with the project. I’m really not kidding when I say volunteers are vital to our institution. And from what I’m hearing, the guys down there are having a fun time working on our anchors. Equally awesome is Everette Howell of Coastal Cleaning LLC, who volunteered to blast the old paint and crud off of the anchors while they are at Davis Boat Works. This is incredibly helpful for us because quite a number of items have now been sponsored and we are unable to keep up with all of it as cleaning these anchors can be a big job.
The above picture shows our anchor after having been blasted to get off all of the rust and old paint that clung to it. Looks pretty great to me!!
Here is our anchor (the one in the back, not the front) after a third coat of paint, sitting at Davis Boat Works. Before we know it, this bad boy will be out in the park showing off its new gorgeous makeover for all who visit it!
Besides volunteers like Davis Boat Works and Everette Howell, this project could not have happened without those who sponsor the objects. This particular anchor (and a couple others) were sponsored by The Bronze Door Society, which is an adjunct organization of the museum that has been vital in helping us fund various projects throughout the years. It makes sense that they would want to be involved with this project and we are very thankful for them!
That’s pretty much it for this anchor right now. More updates to come as the object gets moved back to the museum and eventually out in the park. I will also be posting about the other sponsored objects in the coming weeks.