Collection Highlights
Napoleon's Authorization for the Sale of the Louisiana Territory
Date:
April 24, 1803
Object Number:
MSS.Y1803
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Torpedo
Object Number:
INV.7792
Date:
1850-1870
Medium:
Iron, wood, pitch
Dimensions:
Overall: 48 x 14 in. ( 121.9 x 35.6 cm )
Marks:
gold lettering: at tip of torpedo: "R.C. [illeg.]...kins/Chairman/Historical Society/New York"
gold lettering: at opposite tip of torpedo: "Rear Admiral/J.A. Dahlg[ren]/Washing[ton]"
Description:
Torpedo made from staves of wood bound by six iron hoops; two holes bored in center of body (one plugged with cork); two heavy metal rings project from top; both ends taper to point. Surface covered with pitch; gold lettering at each tip.
Gallery Label:
This torpedo was likely designed by Rear Admiral John Dahlgren (1809-1870), who was chief of the bureau of ordnance in Washington in 1862 and commander of the Washington Navy Yard, 1861-1863. Dahlgren's innovations revolutionized naval armament.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
