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Manufacture of the Armstrong Gun at Woolwich Arsenal: the guns at the proof-butts, 1862. Creator: Unknown
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Manufacture of the Armstrong Gun at Woolwich Arsenal: the guns at the proof-butts, 1862. Creator: Unknown
Manufacture of the Armstrong Gun at Woolwich Arsenal: the guns at the proof-butts, 1862.... to fire a piece of ordnance...by the ordinary method of a man pulling a friction-tube while others are standing about would be extremely hazardous. The aid of galvanism is therefore called into action...The galvanic battery and instrument for directing the current are fixed in...a building...and insulated wires are laid underground...On the word of command being given the guns are discharged in succession with the greatest regularity, and with perfect safety to all concerned, by the mere pressure of a key similar to that of a musical instrument...The firing of the guns at proof cannot fail to make a strong impression on the senses of those who witness it for the first time. A gun is seen apparently without human interference to discharge itself...and so on in succession, keeping up a continuous series of reports of no ordinary character, accompanied by dense columns of saffron-coloured smoke...we were informed that in clear weather they can be heard upwards of thirty miles distant...The day on which our Artist visited...was wet and muddy underfoot. This accounts for the...proof-party dressed in jackboots and waterproof attire...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
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Media ID 35123047
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Armaments Armaments Industry Armstrong Gun Arsenal Battery Breech Loading British Army Cannon Cannons Danger Dangerous Electricity Equipment Firing Industrial Revolution Iron Loading Manufacture Manufacturing Peril Pointing Ramrod Research Research And Development Shooting Steel Testing Weapons Industry Woolwich Arsenal Woolwich Greenwich London England Working Man Workman Workmen Armed Services Hand Gesture Illustrated London News White And Black
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph from 1862, taken at the Woolwich Arsenal, showcases the innovative manufacturing process of the Armstrong Gun. The image depicts several guns positioned at the proof-butts, ready to undergo testing. The Armstrong Gun, a revolutionary weapon of its time, was fired using a galvanic battery instead of the traditional method of a man pulling a friction- tube. This new approach to firing was considered much safer, as it eliminated the need for human intervention during the process. The galvanic battery and the instrument for directing the current were housed in a separate building, and insulated wires were laid underground to connect the guns. When the command was given, the guns were discharged in perfect succession, with the mere press of a key, similar to a musical instrument. The spectacle of the guns firing without human intervention left a profound impact on those who witnessed it for the first time. The sight and sound of a gun seemingly discharging itself, accompanied by dense columns of saffron-coloured smoke, was an extraordinary experience. The day our artist visited the Arsenal was wet and muddy, as evidenced by the proof-party dressed in jackboots and waterproof attire. Despite the unfavourable weather conditions, the precision and efficiency of the manufacturing process were on full display. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the technological advancements of the time and the groundbreaking innovations that transformed the way weapons were produced and tested.
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