The 19th century History of the anchor

rodgers anchor. arms, de, df formed in 1 piece, , pivoted @ crown d on bolt passing through forked shank ab. points or pees e, f, palms g blunt.

until beginning of 19th century anchors of imperfect manufacture, means of effecting , efficient welding being absent , iron poor, whilst arms, being straight, parted @ crown, when weighing holding-ground. clerk in plymouth yard, named pering, in part of century (1813) introduced curved arms; , after 1852 british admiralty anchor, under direction of board, supplied h.m. ships, followed lieutenant (afterwards captain) rodger s anchor. rodger s anchor marked great departure form of previous anchors. arms formed in 1 piece, , pivoted @ crown on bolt passing through forked shank. points or pees palms blunt. anchor had excellent reputation amongst nautical men of period, , committee on anchors, appointed british admiralty in 1852, placed second anchor of trotman.

improved martin anchor

later came self-canting , close-stowing martin anchor, which, passing through successive improvements, became improved martin anchor made of forged iron. projection in center of arms works in recess @ hub of shank; vacancies outside shank filled blocks bolted through on each side, , flush side plates, keep flukes in position.

improved martin-adelphi anchor

the introduction of cast steel in 1894 led improved martin-adelphi pattern, in crown , arms cast in one, and, stock, made of cast steel, shank remaining of forged iron. projection in crown works in recess (right image), , secured in place forged steel pin, fitted nut , washer, passes through crown , heel of shank.

all of above anchors provide stock, use of cant anchor. if falls on ground, resting on 1 arm , 1 stock, when strain brought on cable, stock cants anchor, causing arms lie @ downward angle holding ground; , pees enter , bury below surface of soil.

stockless anchors have been extensively used in british mercantile marine , in other navies. in 1903 adopted british navy, after extensive anchor trials, begun in 1885. advantages are: handiness combined saving of time , labor; absence of davits, anchor-beds, , other gear, resulting reduction in weight; , clear forecastyle right ahead gun fire or working ship. on other hand larger hawsepipe required, , there appears consensus stockless anchor, when let go not hold stocked one, more uncertain in action on uneven ground, , more liable come home (drag).