log chip (replica)
Date: late 20th Century
Inventory Number: 1999-1-0093
Classification: Log
Subject:
Maker: American ?
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
2 × 37 × 16 cm (13/16 × 14 9/16 × 6 5/16 in.)
Description:
Quadrant-shaped unfinished oak chip with rope attached at three corners.
Replica of a c.1800 device.
For an image of an oak log chip, along with wooden rope spool, see The Peabody Museum Collection of Navigating Instruments, plate XLI. The description on p. 83 reads "Log chip, line and reel. Quadrant-shaped oak chip 4 1/2" radius, 3/8" thick. Reel 12 1/2" long, diameter of end disc 6", turned handle 4 1/2" long. Line 1/8" cod line."
Replica of a c.1800 device.
For an image of an oak log chip, along with wooden rope spool, see The Peabody Museum Collection of Navigating Instruments, plate XLI. The description on p. 83 reads "Log chip, line and reel. Quadrant-shaped oak chip 4 1/2" radius, 3/8" thick. Reel 12 1/2" long, diameter of end disc 6", turned handle 4 1/2" long. Line 1/8" cod line."
Signedunsigned
FunctionUsed to measure speed of a ship while on board. Users would throw the wooden chip behind the ship and it would remain in place while rope from a reel was allowed to unwind for a fixed period of time. The speed would be determined by the length of rope that unwound in that time interval.
For more detailed construction and use, see the wikipedia page.
For more detailed construction and use, see the wikipedia page.