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Finishing shells at Woolwich Arsenal, 1862. Creator: W Thomas
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Finishing shells at Woolwich Arsenal, 1862. Creator: W Thomas
Finishing shells at Woolwich Arsenal, 1862. Exertions are continued at Woolwich to supply munitions of war to the British possessions in North America...The splendid shell foundry is capable of turning out sufficient shells for all the armies of the world. Here may be seen the process by which the old scrap iron of the establishment is transformed into finished shot and shell...The smelting process is carried on in a dozen enormous cupola furnaces...The fierce heat generated by the blast rapidly melts the iron, which is then allowed to flow into the shell mould...Gangs of men are arranged in rows along a small tramway, the shells are put on the tram, and the captain of the gang puts the gauge (an iron ring to fit the shells), over them, and anywhere that the gauge scrapes is marked with chalk, and then the finisher goes to work with his file to make it perfect in shape...In one day more than 10, 000 shells passed through this department, and were, on their passage, drilled or brushed, or fitted with the socket made to receive the fuse. The shells having rolled through a labyrinth of successive machines which operate upon them, move onward to the painting department, where they receive a coating of black varnish to prevent oxydisation'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
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Media ID 35119793
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Ammunition Ammunition Factory Armaments Armaments Industry Arsenal Filing Iron Munitions Munitions Factory Munitions Industry Production Line Recycled Recycling Shell Shells Thomas W W Thomas Weapons Industry Woolwich Arsenal American Civil War
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Finishing Shells at Woolwich Arsenal, 1862
EDITORS COMMENTS
is an intriguing photograph capturing the industrious process of transforming scrap iron into finished munitions at the Woolwich Arsenal in England. This image offers a glimpse into the British military's efforts to supply armaments for its forces in North America during the mid-19th century. The photograph depicts the impressive shell foundry, capable of producing an abundant supply of shells for all the armies of the world. The smelting process begins in a dozen enormous cupola furnaces, where the iron is melted by the intense heat generated by the blast. Once the iron has melted, it is allowed to flow into the shell mould. Next, gangs of men are arranged in rows along a small tramway, where they meticulously file and shape the shells to perfection. Each shell is marked with chalk where the gauge (an iron ring) scrapes, and the finisher goes to work with his file to make it perfect in shape. In just one day, over 10,000 shells pass through this department, and each one is drilled, brushed, or fitted with the socket made to receive the fuse. The shells then move onward to the painting department, where they receive a coating of black varnish to prevent oxidation. This photograph provides a fascinating look into the intricate and labor-intensive process of producing munitions during this era, showcasing the ingenuity and determination of the workers at Woolwich Arsenal.
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