|
|
146 Years under the SeaIt seems appropriate that in this Company Bi-centenary year, there should be delivered to us evidence of Newbould exporting activity of nearly one hundred and fifty years ago. The tools in this show case - and others sent to us - were salvaged recently by scuba divers in the Cape area of South Africa. Wood chisels and plane irons, they are marked "Newbould Sheffield" and "Newbould Cast Steel". Most of the tools are in remarkably good condition and the salvors remark that many of them could be used today after a normal honing … a tremendous reflection of their quality! Also the packaging seems to have been very effective. The outer container was a wooden barrel, probably lined originally with a thick layer of grease. The tools themselves were wrapped in what appears to be greased paper and something resembling greased raffia. Other Sheffield tools and knives were included as well as a bronze bell. But it is interesting that apart from one other firm ours is the only company in existence today which is directly identifiable with the items discovered. From reports in the South African "Commercial Advertiser" of the time it appears that the tools were unsalvaged remains from the wreck of the brig Columbine, bound from London to Australia, carrying a great variety of merchandise. This ship ran ashore on 31st March 1829 between St. Helena and Saldanha bays. Fortunately the passengers and crew were all saved, with part of the cargo. Mr. Miller the chief officer, was in an open boat for three days before being picked up and landed to make his way overland to Cape Town. The showcase pictured above was donated to us by our South African Company.
|
Contacts
See the list of distributors on the contacts page for your local supplierFeedbackWe welcome your comments on any aspect of our service or product.
Send mail to
info@sandersonsteel.com with questions or
comments about this web site.
|
