An armed capstan

[bruce d]

I had not thought about using a capstan to mount weapons, but someone did.

It was a chance find and know nothing more about it.

[Morgan]

uss frolic found a model of the Endymion sporting two swivels mounted on the Capstan, finding it once you may dismiss it, but twice and one source is a technical drawing means this must have been common practice.

 

Gary

 

 

[druxey]

Perhaps the fiddler sat on top and threatened to fire on any slacker at the capstan bars!

[uss frolick]

There was an account I read about a formal evening party thrown on the deck of the new frigate USS Potomac in 1828 while fitting out in Washington. They covered the spar deck with canvass and created a candelabra on the capstan by ringing it with muskets with bayonets fixed. There was a candle placed in each muzzle and this illuminated  the spar deck ...

 

 

[stm]

I can see muskets being mounted on the top deck capstan for short periods of time. But not for long periods since the fragile trigger and flint lock mechanisms would be exposed to the corrosive effects of the sea elements. Understood that these weapons were stored below deck when not in use.

[uss frolick]

The British Schooner of War Dominica mounted a 4-pounder brass swivel/cohorn on her capstan when she fought the privateer Decatur in 1813.

 

The Frigate Constitution mounted a seven-barreled swivel Chambers Gun on her capstan when she fought the Cyane and Levant in 1815, for defense against enemy boarders, in addition to additional Chambers guns in her tops.

 

The Privateer Fair American, of the Revolutionary War fame, mounted a large swivel on her capstan, according to the memoirs of one of her crewmen, (Jacob Nagel - who would later sail to Australia in the 'First Fleet) that was used to good effect in defeating an enemy's nighttime boat attack.

[Roger Pellett]

I don’t understand the advantage of mounting the swivel gun atop the capstan.  Maybe as an anti personnel weapon if boarded?

 

On the other hand it was a custom at the time to use small arms as decorations.  Many British large country homes have arrays of muskets, pistols, and swords on the walls.

 

Roger

[mtaylor]

I would think it would almost have to be a weapon of "last defense" as firing grape or canister would pretty much tear up any remaining rigging, etc.  

[Dr PR]

I don't recall now where I have seen it, but I remember seeing a picture/drawing showing muskets stowed around the capstan. My guess is that they were placed there before an action for ready access when boarding an enemy ship. They wouldn't normally be stowed there but would be below in the armory.

 

I can see having a swivel gun mount on the capstan. The capstan mount was very strong and could take the force of recoil of the gun. If the ship was being boarded the capstan would give a good field of fire for sweeping the decks of boarders with grapeshot/shrapnel. The gun could also be fired at men in the tops of an enemy ship at close range.

[rraisley]

The OP's drawing appears to me to be the equivalent of a Patent Application, between Nueva Invención and the format, so may never have been done, at least exactly like the drawing. I don't understand Spanish so can't tell more.