Internally strapped blocks

[Bill Hill]

When did internally strapped blocks come into use in the US?

[wefalck]

I gather, such questions are difficult to answer, which is why no-one chipped in so far.

 

Internally strapped blocks require the manufacture of rolled iron-bars and the possibility to drill accurate and matched holes for the axle. This kind of manufacturing technology only became available around the second quarter of the 19th century. That should give you a time frame. This kind of marine technology diffused quickly around the world and was adopted, where the respective manufacturing technology was available together with the necessary raw materials.

[BANYAN]

These were specified in the Contract for the building of HMCSS Victoria (1855) - so in use by then - Wefalck has probably nailed the possible date range. 

 

cheers

 

Pat