Lid Caps from Ballast Tanks

Object/Artifact

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Forget-me-not, A social history archive

Name/Title

Lid Caps from Ballast Tanks

Entry/Object ID

6418

Description

These are the cast iron lid caps from ballast tanks from the very early days. These caps were sealed into the ballast tank using plaster. The cap in the centre, the plug was put in last. A candle was inserted, A burning candle was put into the ballast tank. As the candle burnt the oxygen out of the air, it created a vacuum which pulled the final small plug into the tank making it completely waterproof and airtight. They work very efficiently. These old ends are a collectible item today.

Collection

Cast Iron