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Furnace for making cannon balls in the days of Trafalgar
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Furnace for making cannon balls in the days of Trafalgar
Furnace for making cannon balls in the days of Trafalgar.
circa 1805
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23108770
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1800s 1805 Ammunition Balls Bellows Cannon Days Frame Furnace Manufacture Manufacturing Munitions Supply Trafalgar Weapons
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image transports us back in time to the bustling world of a 19th century cannon ball foundry, as depicted in this photograph taken around the year 1805, during the height of the Napoleonic Wars and the famous Battle of Trafalgar. The scene unfolds in a dimly lit space, where a large, imposing furnace dominates the frame. A man, dressed in protective clothing, stands at the ready, using a pair of long bellows to stoke the fire within. The furnace's intense heat melts down iron ingots, which are then poured into molds to create the rough, spherical shapes of cannon balls. The men working around the furnace are focused and determined, each performing their specific role in the manufacturing process. One man turns a crank to control the flow of molten iron into the molds, while another carefully monitors the temperature of the furnace. The air is thick with the smell of burning iron and the sound of the bellows pumping in and out. The cannon ball manufacturing process was a crucial aspect of naval warfare during this time, as the British Royal Navy relied heavily on its superior firepower to maintain control of the seas. The production of cannon balls was a constant and demanding task, with foundries working around the clock to meet the insatiable demand for ammunition. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into the gritty reality of this vital industry, showcasing the dedication and skill of the men who supplied the weapons that shaped the course of history during the age of sail.
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