Past & Present: The Crane (colour litho)

The Crane. 14th Century Windlass. Simple forms of both the windlass and the crane are known to have been in use as early as the 14th century for hoisting purposes, especially on board ship, at the ports, and at the head of mineshafts and wells. In principle the windlass resembles the capstan, the difference being that the former exerts a vertical pull and the latter a horizontal. Steam Floating Crane. One of the largest revolving floating cranes in the world is that illustrated, constructed by Messrs Cowans Sheldon and Co, Ltd, Carlisle. It is capable of lifting 350 tons at 100 feet radius, or 300 tons at 121 feet radius. The total height from water level is about 240 feet. Illustration for one of a set of cigarette cards on the subject of Past & Present issued by Wills in 1929.