Taffrail ship. He patented an improved thrust bearing in 1867.
Taffrail ship. Walker & Sons is a testament to the timeless artistry and attention to detail that defined maritime instruments of the past. The taffrail is the aftermost railing around the stern of a ship, to which a log could be mounted with a clamping mechanism (thus resulting in the name taffrail log). I superglued Nails underneath the Cleats and I used my parallel grip pliers to simply push them in and used ANTIQUE SHIP'S LOG Antique John Bliss ship's log dial. Originally used to measure the speed of a ship under sail, it's now a unique decorative item to display on a shelf or desk. The taffrail log is made of brass and is an antique original from the United States. The Taffrail Log, as it's called, was invented by Capt. Type TL Taffrail Log. Nov 5, 2016 · The original taffrail has always gave me problems and to be honest looked rather out of place, so I made a new taffrail. External references *… Shop Taffrail Log T. As for the transom later I plan on adding carvings of Persephone, Zeus, Hades and a few angle babies. 00 Free shipping Sep 21, 2023 · taffrail (plural taffrails) (nautical) The curved wooden top of the stern of a sailing man-of-war or East Indiaman, usually carved or decorated. 5 inches. D. I also wanted to capture the early 1700's style in the silhouette of the taffrail. This important innovation added to the company's success. Jul 15, 2025 · Walker's Cherub III Ship Log Made in England by Thos Walker & Son Ltd. Creator: Thomas Walker & Son. See below (courtesy of Smithsonian). Length 27 cm / 10. Negus for sale, a rare find for vintage ship salvage collectors. Its elegant design and aged patina make it a remarkable addition to any nautical décor, instantly transforming your space into a maritime sanctuary. , of England. Closer to the ship, or even Mar 24, 2023 · SHORT DESCRIPTION: Walker’s patent Taffrail ‘Cherub’ Ship-log, made by Thomas WALKER of London or Birmingham, in wooden box. Distance divided bij the time in hours, gives the speed in knots through the water. W. Closer to the ship, or even Nov 3, 2022 · In naval architecture, a taffrail is the handrail around the open deck area toward the stern of a ship or boat. Most of these ship's logs have a maximum distance reading of 100 miles and so are not indented to be used to actually measure distance traveled like is done with the car odometer Nautical Taffrail Ship Log Made in England by Thos Walker & Son Ltd. The craftsmanship and historical significance of this piece make it a valuable addition to any maritime collection. A nautical mile is defined as one minute of A Walker's "Cherub" III taffrail log, the brass cased log with white enamel dial, stamped 'AE5590' on reverse and engraved 'Walker's "Cherub III' Ship-Log (Patented) Trade (anchor motif) Mark T. [1] The name originates from the French word for stern, poupe, from Latin puppis. MASSEY PATENTEE" at bottom. Complete with Logger and stainless Rotator. (nautical) The rail around the stern of a ship. ) Any large seagoing vessel. the upper part of the transom of a vessel, esp a. This time we’ll look at the different parts of the ship, a ship template, and water hazard examples. Jul 30, 2025 · Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for John Bliss American Ship Taffrail Log Maritime Marine Nautical Boat Rare Antique at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! THOMAS WALKER'S CHERUB III TAFFRAIL SHIP-LOG. With original rope and coupling. The rear deck of a ship is often called the afterdeck or poop deck. Jun 22, 2016 · To measure speed the chip was tossed over the aftmost rail, the taffrail, and into the water. Define taffrails. Walker & Son, Ltd, 58, Oxford Street, B What do you call this thing?? Railing, however according to Wikipedia: "In naval architecture, a taffrail is the handrail around the open deck area toward the stern of a ship or boat". , The front part of something, especially a ship. 57 Mar 22, 2020 · Description: Antique maritime nautical 'Walker's Patent Trident Electric' brass Cherub III Taffrail ship's log and rotor 66"H (longer) A brass 'Taffrail' ship's log by John Bliss and Company circa 1900 Maker marked to the white enamel face, the dials reading 0-4, 0-10 & 0-100. The front has protective glass that is mounted in a round brass frame. The rail around the stern of a ship or boat. Thomas Walker and his son, Thomas Ferdinand Walker [7] (1838-1921) developed the original log design into a number of improved versions. In naval architecture, a taffrail is the handrail around the open deck area toward the stern of a ship or boat. Patent Office when John Edward Massey, its British inventor, applied for a patent in 1877. Thus the poop deck is technically a stern deck, which in sailing ships was usually elevated as the Taffrail — A Taffrail is the aftermost railing around the stern of a ship, often, but not always, ornately carved. Shop Taffrail Log Fish Walker Excelsior for sale, a rare find for vintage ship salvage collectors. There are wear marks and staining from age, use and from being displayed. & J. Manufactured in the early 1880's, serial number 304. Please review all the pictures. In its modern meaning it is often used to indicate the deck area right at the stern of a vessel. The ship's log boasts a rich Jan 12, 2023 · There was a Space between the end of the Planks and the Taffrail so I put this piece of 1. n. A taffrail log is an object dragged from the stern of the vessel to calculate the vessel's speed through the water. , New York. Background The Taffrail Ship Log () is the way ships determined their speed. 58, Oxford St. Perfect for maritime collectors seeking a unique piece to complete their collection. In March 1794 Congress passed a naval act that called for the construction of a half-dozen frigates -- the 44-gun frigates Constitution, United States, and President and the 36-gun frigates Congress, Constellation, and Chesapeake. This Brass Taffrail Log Rotator is a fabulous find! A great item to hang on your wall with your other nautical treasures! Aug 30, 2021 · Not sure if this is the right forum so pls. The top of the enameled face stat The “Cherub” III Taffrail Ship-Log by T. Jan 6, 2010 · TaffrailThe rail around the stern of a boat which may save you from falling overboard. He patented an improved thrust bearing in 1867. and more. The stern is the ship’s back which contains the rudder used to help steer the ship as well as the officers’ quarters. e believe that all disputes can be settled by proper communication. It is a mechanism ship log, also called a common log or just log, is a navigation tool mariners use to estimate the speed of a vessel through water. a rail at the stern or above the transom of a vessel 2. This device was invented in 1688 by the English instrument maker Humphry Cole. Inscriptions monogram, on the taffrail: RWR (4x) inscription, on the stern: 1698 Conservation H. The word knot, to mean nautical mile per hour, derives from this measurement method. Shop now for fast shipping and easy returns! Mar 26, 2020 · Like this: This entry was posted in HMS Surprise and tagged HMS Surprise, Taffrail on March 26, 2020. move it elsewhere if not. American Heritage® Dictionary This auction is for an original early 1900's "Cherub III" Taffrail Ship-Log in the original wood box, made by the Walker & Son Ltd. ) A dish or utensil The taffrail log complete ship by John Bliss & Co. The Constellation Circa 1945 mint in box Walker's Cherub III taffrail log with two brass spinners with braided cords. Taffrail definition: the upper part of the stern of a ship. See examples of TAFFRAIL used in a sentence. TAFFRAIL LOG: a mechanical device which is attached to the taffrail at the stern of the ship and is used in connection with a small bronze propeller which is towed astern. 5mm x 3mm Basswood on it after steaming and bending first. The recorder would have been connected to a rotor that was towed behind the ship. S. ) long Taffrail of a Dutch ship n the centre of an elaborate design with boys, is a seated female figure holding in the right hand a small shield baring a lion rampant and a lion on each quarter. This structure, typically a horizontal rail supported by vertical stanchions, serves as a boundary for the stern and provides safety for crew members working in the aft section of the vessel. Get the best deals on Taffrail Log when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. Jun 19, 2025 · Understanding the location, function, and significance of the taffrail can enhance knowledge about ship construction and maritime terminology. Its original design echoes the elegance of seafaring vessels, making it a stylish addition to any collector's array or a sophisticated accent in a maritime-themed interior. This is a nice set with clock, line, rotator, sinker weight and towing ring in a pine case with instruction for use in the lid. It does not come with the wooden box. The taffrail log was towed from the stern or taffrail of the ship by a long line. In naval architecture, a taffrail is the handrail around the open deck area toward the stern of a ship or boat. Description: This high-quality working example of a Taffrail Log was submitted to the U. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. Both all original. The Courier The Courier, the First True Clipper Ship – Built in Newburyport in 1842, 380 Tons Built for the Coffee Trade, often nicknamed the “Rio Trader”; it was the first ship built by Donald McKay in 1842 for Messrs. com. Ship Related Words Abaft: toward or at the stern of a ship; further aft Affreightment: hiring of a vessel Aft: in or toward the back part of a ship or airplane Afterdeck: deck behind a ship’s bridge Afterguard: men who A ship-log records the distance travelled through the water. The distance a ship travels, as measured by the log, is an essential element of "Dead Reckoning," how a navigator keeps track of the vessel's position. (n. The label describes What's the difference between ship and taffrail? Definition: (n. A taffrail log is an object dragged from the stern of the vessel to calculate the vessel s speed through the water. It was supported by decorative turned pillars, called stanchions. FedEx Nautical Taffrail Ship Log Made in England by Thos Walker & Son Ltd. A nice and complete Mark III in case with two spare windows, two rotators, hook and gimbal… In naval architecture, a taffrail is the handrail around the open deck area toward the stern of a ship or boat. Buy single Taffrail Log Fish #1, a rare vintage ship salvage find. The meaning of TAFFRAIL is the upper part of the stern of a wooden ship. Jan 4, 2024 · Before I could get started on the Quarterdeck and Poop Deck, I realized I should finish the Taffrail. Brass and glass cover for dials. Walker & Son Ltd. The piece with the rotating fins was dragged behind the ship on a line, whilst the gauge read the rotations of the fins to ascertain speed. People are checking this out. When the cloth marker hit the rail, a sailor called out “Turn!” - at which point the sand glass was turned to start timing. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! The United States Navy's three-masted frigate USS Constitution, better known as "Old Ironsides," is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. From: taffrail in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Jul 24, 2018 · Not to mention, the bow usually contained the ship’s anchor. The log line paid out as the ship sailed away from the stationary chip. quotations A finely made ship’s log to measure the distance covered through the water within a certain time. Kindly check the Important notes and instruction while using. According to the Collection file it came from the steam yacht SENECA. At sea, distances are usually measured in "Nautical Miles". Find top brands, exclusive offers, and unbeatable prices on eBay. Vintage ship’s speed and distance taffrail log spinners. May 19, 2024 · However, the railing that runs around the stern of the ship, on the poop deck, is called the taffrail. taffrails synonyms, taffrails pronunciation, taffrails translation, English dictionary definition of taffrails. May 2, 2015 · 18th Century British Merchant Marine Taffrail Mounted Flintlock Blunderbuss Ships Swivel Gun for sale online. One is hallmarked Negus, MILF, New York, and the letter “S”. By making a distance measurement for a known length of time the speed can be determined. The first Walkers Cherub was patented in 1878. ) Pay; reward. Apr 13, 2025 · Experience the charm of the high seas with the Walkers Cherub III Taffrail Ships-Log. May 8, 2025 · A taffrail log is a mechanical speed logging device, used like a car odometer. But they were expensive then and as antiques still are today. ) Specifically, a vessel furnished with a bowsprit and three masts (a mainmast, a foremast, and a mizzenmast), each of which is composed of a lower mast, a topmast, and a topgallant mast, and square-rigged on all masts. Cherub $300. Ketting, 1969: restored Davina Jakobi, June 2015: textile conservation of sails and ensign Provenance ; Admiraliteit van Zeeland (Admiralty of Zeeland), Middelburg, 1698; 1 transferred to 's Lands Werf (Navy dockyard) Amsterdam, 18 April 1798; 2 transferred to the Koninklijk Kabinet van 2 senses: nautical 1. Chip log Diagram of a chip log attached to a log-line and reel on a ship A chip log, also called common log, [1] ship log, or just log, is a navigation tool mariners use to estimate the speed of a vessel through water. Found in a Bottle," [1] One evening, leaning over the taffrail, I observed a very THOMAS WALKER'S CHERUB III Taffrail Marine Ship Log *AS SHOWN IN PHOTOS* ILS 1,845. The… Definition Taffrail refers to the handrail around the stern of a ship or boat. Explore a wide range of our Taffrail Log selection. Logger has crack in l Vintage taffrail for recording ship speed and distance traveled. The stern end of a ship A taffrail is a railing around the stern of a ship, usually located at the level of the upper deck. The number of knots passing over the rail were counted until the sand glass ran out at which time the Explore the term 'taffrail log,' its history, usage in nautical navigation, and how it functions aboard ships. The label attached to the front of the machine dovetailed pine box states: "Walker's Excelsior IV ships log, complete Walker's Excelsior IV ship-log {Outrigger Pattern} Made in England by Thos. (24cm. Taffrail logs were an essential part of navigation at sea before electronic aids were developed and were used to measure how far a ship traveled through the water. . The railings along the sides of the ship are called the gunwales, because you could mount swivel guns on them. We understand that you want your product to reach you in its. company of Birmingham, England. Apr 22, 2020 · Sometimes taffrail refers to just curved wooden top of the stern of a sailing man-of-war or East Indiaman ship. Cherub C $414. Add this unique maritime piece to your collection today! Jul 3, 2017 · Last time we examined ship purposes, ship based plots, and ship quirks. Bronze, Brass and pig metal. TAFFEREL (TAFFRAIL): the bulwark rail or fence across the stem of a vessel which forms the upper part of a vessel’s stern, usually ornamented with carved work or molding. , The most forward part of a boat or ship's bow and is an extension of the keel itself. Birmingham' and 'Use Walker's Solidified Oil', with mounting plate -- 9½in. Seafoam green and XL. The device is similar to a car's odometer (). INVENTORY: Log spinner, indicator head, mounting plate, box - thre are four (4 Jun 28, 2025 · It is a contraction of taffarel, the original name for this adornment. The flat, often richly carved upper part of the stern of a wooden ship. 10in (25cm)long Sep 19, 2024 · Read more about the seller notes “A late 19th century brass cased Taffrail log, the cylindrical body with rectangular three dial gauge signed John Bliss & Co Taffrail Log Patented, June 6th 1876 - September 17th 1878 - April 8th 1884 - July 21st 1885,length 53cm” Read Lessabout the seller notes Feb 24, 2025 · This 19th century brass taffrail ship's log mounted on a sturdy wooden base is a fascinating piece of history from the age of sail. Lionel Corp. taffrails) (nautical) The curved wooden top of the stern of a sailing man-of-war or East Indiaman, usually carved or decorated. Built at the [William] Currier & McKay Shpyard, Newburyport. Whether you are a sailor, a maritime enthusiast, or simply curious about ships, learning about the taffrail offers insight into nautical history and ship design. (location riverside, along Merrimack Street, across from Forrester Street) The Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like He back or aft-most part of a ship or boat, technically defined as the area built up over the sternpost, extending upwards from the counter rail to the taffrail. This is a mechanical ship's log, used to measure speed at sea. Learn about the taffrail log used to calculate a vessel's speed through the water. A rare example that measures in statute miles as against nautical knots. Date of manufacture Circa 1880. I painted it the same Tartan Red I then included the Flag Pole Post and the Cleats. With the time in hours between the observations, it gives the ship’s speed in knots. Jan 9, 2020 · The image of a castle on the warship’s tafferel (or taffrail, the painted panel on the stern) identifies the ship as the Huis te Swieten, an important warship in the fleet of the city’s Admiralty. NOTES: The Walker Cherub Taffrail log was patented on October 30, 1878. 4 have added this to their watchlist. Get the best deals for Taffrail Log at eBay. The instrument head is made of brass and has a white porcelain dial face and three analog counters with Arabic numerals. The Walker’s Taffrail Ship-Log is an instrument designed to measure and record the distance travelled and a ship’s speed. Originally, the term only referred to the aft port section of the ship, but eventually came to refer to the entire back of a vessel. Modern yachts do not have the elegant wooden rails of their forebears, but have tubular metal railings instead, called Pushpits. See Illustation in Appendix. Noun taffrail (pl. 2. Dial of Walker's Cherub Taffrail Log taffrail (English) Origin & history From either tafferel or aft rail, by false alteration. Shipped by FedEx Ground. The four-bladed rotator is towed astern and registers the distance traveled and speed on an integral dial. Torpedo shaped ship's log with four tail fins, enamel dial with captions "NEW PATENT FRICTIONLESS" at top and "IMPROVED LOG LLL EDWD. Add a unique piece of maritime history to your collection today! Jul 24, 2009 · The taffrail log, also known as a patent log or screw log, was used to measure the distance or speed by which a ship travelled. Made in England by Thos. Nov 27, 2014 · It has a fixing plate, on which it can turn, with which it would have been attached to a suitable part of the ship, typically the taffrail, the rail at the stern of a ship. 1833, Edgar Allan Poe, "MS. We've had a lot of taffrail logs come through our shop but this one is by far the largest! What's in the Box: Discover the history and significance of a Taffrail, the ornately carved aftermost railing around the stern of a ship. Truman Hotchkiss, of Stratford CT, and patented by him in 1864. It is a navigational instrument used in maritime vessels, specifically designed for tracking and recording a ship's speed and course. 1. Enhance your maritime collection with this unique piece! Log, Taffrail One taffrail log made by Thomas Walker & Son, Ltd. Not all ships have an afterdeck or poop deck. TAFFRAIL LOGS Click on the thumbnails below for larger pictures. Understand its significance in measuring speed and distance covered at sea. Jun 23, 2021 · Information Walnut Taffrail Stanchions 5/16 ” (8 mm) (MS0351) Walnut Taffrail Stanchions 5/16 Inch (8 mm) The taffrail was the open rail across (or around) the stern, especially when there was a raised quarter deck. The log has a cylindrically-shaped heavy brass body and a swivel base to allow for mounting on the taffrail of a ship. I was wondering whether the listed "Overall length" refers to the entire vessel, from the taffrail to the tip of the bowsprit? Or is The stern is the back or aft -most part of a ship or boat, technically defined as the area built up over the sternpost, extending upwards from the counter rail to the taffrail. the second brass spinner has a blade marked with an anchor and the letters “T”, “W” and Cherub. Buy Taffrail Log Fish #1 GE Brand, a must-have for vintage ship salvage collectors. Originating from Dutch tafereel, meaning "panel for painting or carving," the word evolved from Latin tabula and refers to an ornamented upper stern panel on ships. Andrew Foster & Son, New York. It is primarily used for decoration and safety, preventing anyone from falling overboard at the back of the vessel. The stern lies opposite the bow, the foremost part of a ship. ← Handrails Hatch Deck Handrails → Truman Hotchkiss, a sea captain from Stratford, Connecticut, designed a mechanical Taff rail log in which the recording mechanism was placed on taffrail (or upper part of the stern) of the ship. Also, I stained it first using Colonial Maple Stain Oct 12, 2021 · One of the six original warships authorized by the 'Act to provide a Naval Armament,' signed by President George Washington March 27, 1794, which created the new United States Navy. Nonetheless, most wooden ships had a square transom stern which somewhat resembles a decorative floating house. Poop deck of a model of the Soleil-Royal, as seen from the forecastle In naval architecture, a poop deck is a deck that forms the roof of a cabin built in the rear, or "aft", part of the superstructure of a ship. A taffrail log comprised a metal spinner trailed astern on a long line that twisted with the spinner and was connected to a gauge that showed distance run and was mounted on the stern, on the taffrail, of the vessel. A similar rail appears in the drawing of a Dutch two decker, probably imaginary, in the Victoria & Albert Museum. A light shown over the taffrail was the signal of what he was about to do, and as he clewed up his sails, his consorts followed his example, and all three dropped their anchors within a short distance of each other -- the frigate being on the outside. It serves as a safety barrier to prevent falls overboard and provides a place for crew members to lean against as they observe the seascape behind the vessel. May 24, 2016 · Bid now on Invaluable: A Walker's 'Cherub' III taffrail ship-log by Thomas Walker & Son Ltd, Birmingham from Chorley's on May 24, 2016, 10:00 AM BST. Beneath the glass, there is a gauge with a white enamel face, black graduation marks along the perimeter, and black numerals JOHN BLISS & CO. Includes the mechanism and two rotators. The rail of these wooden sailing ships usually had hand-carved wooden rails, often highly decorated. 2 The pseudonym of a British naval captain, Henry Taprell Dorling (1883–1968), a writer of popular stories of the sea. Taffrail Log, John Bliss & Co. Anyways, I've been browsing through wiki articles on various warships in the 18th century. A taffrail is a rail or fence around the stern of a ship. Crafted from premium brass, this nautical timepiece is a testament to the timeless allure of maritime decor. 40 or Best Offer Free shipping Jun 20, 2025 · the railing around the stern of a ship A Taffrail is the aftermost railing around the stern of a ship, often, but not always, ornately carved. An example is the Walker Harpoon Log, patented in 1861, which featured the inclusion of dials into the rotator, thereby reducing the total bulk of the instrument. This two-part mechanical log measures a vessel's speed though the water. A Taffrail is the aftermost railing around the stern of a ship, often, but not always, ornately carved. Brass sling type pattern ship log, porcelain face marked: JOHN BLISS TAFFRAIL LOG, NEW YORK, USA. Click for more definitions. As a result, this type of log was often called a taffrail log. Taffrail logs were developed in the eighteenth century and became a practical device in the nineteenth century. ytwt hok wrbodo rpuo gctamt ilyhx lnefd qjzgbs ohl vmzzz