HMS Racehorse sounding lead
Date made: Built 1806
Description: Complete, but no perforation at flattened end so perhaps spare equipment. These were used to find out how deep the water underneath a vessel's hull was. It was lowered over the side on a marked rope (usually marked with fathoms) and when the lead hit the bottom, the amount of rope over the side could be measured and depth established.
Read about HMS Racehorse (1702)
Measurements: 508 mm (length); 60 mm (diameter)
Materials: lead
Object name: sounding lead
Collection: Archaeology Collection
ID number: 1969-0065b/1
Subject tags : #HMSRACEHORSE