Wreckhunter.net

Hunting New England Shipwreck
Artifact Identification Contest

Welcome to our Artifact Identification Contest. This contest provides two new questions each month. Question 1 will be fairly easy to answer for people who have some knowledge of diving, ships and maritime history. Question 2 will be tougher, and probably only people with lots of knowledge and experience will be able to answer it correctly. The answers will be posted on this page at the beginning of the next month. To view the answers, hover your mouse pointer over the orange Answer buttons.

If you submit a correct answer, your name (or username) will be posted as a winner. If  you submit correct answers regularly, you will become recognized as an artifact expert. The questions posted here are intended to test your knowledge and help you learn how to identify shipwreck artifacts.  Enjoy!

October 2005
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1-oct05.jpg (27299 bytes)This decorated post protrudes near the bow of the USS Constititution. Posts like this were used on old sailing ships to help maneuver the anchors. What is this post called called?



Enter your answer to this month's Question 1 here:

Answer

Your name or username (Required)

Your home town & state (Required)

The answer and the winners' names will be posted on this page at the
beginning of next month.

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-oct05.jpg (28251 bytes)This brass wheel (about 3" in diameter) was found on a 20th Century shipwreck. The row of beads and the numbers (0-9) on the rim are keys to its identity. What is this wheel?



Enter your answer to this month's Question 2 here:

Answer

Your name or username (Required)

Your home town & state (Required)

The answer and the winners' names will be posted on this page at the
beginning of next month.

 

Previous Months Questions 

September 2005
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1-sep05.jpg (20712 bytes)This device has been used on navy ships for centuries. It's overall length is about 5 inches. What is it?

A Bosun's (boatswain's) pipe or whistle. Used to call the crew's attention.

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Jim Blake, North Chelmsford, MA
Sharon Kissling, Wilmington, NC
Bob Gomes, Chepachet, RI
Henry Steers, Falling Waters, WV
John Schnauck, Marshfield, MA
Paul Fortini, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Harry Boyce, Warwick, RI
Barbara Sturgeon, Coronado, CA
Tommy G, Meriden, CT
Scubasue, Quincy, MA
G. McKay, Amesbury, MA
Shipwreck2324557, Preston, CT
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Robert Lout, Holyoke, MA
Abe Froman, Chicago, IL
Al Henneberry, Halifax, NS, Canada
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Diesel, RI
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-sep05.JPG (34228 bytes)This precision device was commonly found on ships in the 1800s. What is it?

A chronometer - a high-accuracy clock used on board ships for celestial navigation measurements.

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Jim Blake, North Chelmsford, MA
Sharon Kissling, Wilmington, NC
Henry Steers, Falling Waters, WV
John Schnauck, Marshfield, MA
Paul Fortini, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Harry Boyce, Warwick, RI
G. McKay, Amesbury, MA
Shipwreck2324557, Preston, CT
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Robert Lout, Holyoke, MA
Abe Froman, Chicago, IL
Al Henneberry, Halifax, NS, Canada
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Christopher Gooding, Springhill, NS, Canada

August 2005 (No July Questions)
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1-aug05.gif (43854 bytes)These pipes are used on ships to feed lines and anchor chains through the hull. The ones shown are on the USS Constitution. What are they called?

Hawse Pipe

The people who submitted the correct answer:
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
Everett, Dartmouth, NS, Canada
Sharon Kissling, Wilmington, NC
George Dorch, Gilman, IL
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Ed Rooney, Chicago, IL
Jim Blake, North Chelmsford, MA
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Al Henneberry, Eastern Passage, NS, Canada
Diesel, RI

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-aug05.jpg (40646 bytes)This patented lubricating device for early steam engines was so preferred by engineers and engine designers that it became known by a special name. That name is now used to describe "the best" of many product types. What is the name?

The Real McCoy, patented by Elijah McCoy

The people who submitted the correct answer:
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
Everett, Dartmouth, NS, Canada
George Dorch, Gilman, IL
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Al Henneberry, Eastern Passage, NS, Canada

June 2005
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1-jun05.jpg (9653 bytes)The round object at right is found on almost all ships and boats. What is it called?

Compass Card or Compass Rose

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Ted, Ocean City, MD
Headmousewdw, Jamestown, RI
Twilightzone6, Lady Lakes, FL
Nemasis, Paris, France
Linda, Sandspit, BC, Canada
Adam Shreders, Essex, CT
Shipwreck, Preston, CT
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
Tristan, Sandspit, BC, Canada
Eric, Fairhaven, MA
RDS47, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Jim Blake, North Chelmsford, MA
Kent Price, Indianapolis, IN 
fgage@bfit.edu, Boston, MA 
Paul Fortini, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Capt. Gerry McDonald, Baltimore, MD
Henry Steers III, Falling Waters, WV
Robert Lout, Holyoke, MA
Tom Barlow, Dartmouth, NS, Canada
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Jason Ring, Wooodbridge, NJ
Al Henneberry, Halifax, NS, Canada

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-jun05.jpg (44162 bytes)This cooking setup is on the deck of the old whaling ship Charles W. Morgan at Mystic Seaport. What is it called?

Try Works, used for rendering whale blubber

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Linda, Sandspit, BC, Canada
Shipwreck, Preston, CT
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
Tristan, Sandspit, BC, Canada
Eric, Fairhaven, MA
Jim Blake, North Chelmsford, MA
Henry Steers III, Falling Waters, WV
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Al Henneberry, Halifax, NS, Canada

May 2005 (No April Questions)
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1-may05.jpg (92518 bytes)During World War II, several thousand freighters, like the one shown at right, were mass produced in shipyards around the United States. What is the common name for these ships?

Liberty ships

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Russel483, Needham, MA
Suzanne Reynard, Quincy, MA
Robert Lout, Holyoke, MA
Turk, Lawrencetown, NS, Canada
Bill Queen, Virginia Beach, VA
Louis Bullard, Marlborough, NH
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Daniel, Colorado
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Brian Liberatore, Duluth, GA
oceanfamilyma, Fall River, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Diesel1298, RI
Bob Franey, West Barnstable, MA
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Alfred DeVaux, Jr., Norwich, VT
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Al Henneberry, Halifax, NS, Canada

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-may05.jpg (38332 bytes)The steel structure shown at right is a common component of modern ships. The overall height of this one is about 4 feet. The rounded part on top is a clue to its identity. What is this structure?

Pillow block or prop shaft support. The rounded thing on top is the bottom half of a bearing.

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY

March 2005
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1-mar05.JPG (39109 bytes)What is the name of the ship fitting shown at right?

Capstan or Anchor Windlass

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Al Henneberry, Halifax, NS, Canada
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Lou Sarkas, Yarmouthport, MA
Goeff Morton, Plymouth, MA
Gary Moline, Orland, ME
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
Henry Steers III, Falling Waters, WV
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Bob Franey, West Barnstable, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Alfred DeVaux, Jr., Norwich, VT
Diesel1298, RI
Paul Fortini, Quincy, MA
Joe Luken, Viera, FL

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-mar05.JPG (15795 bytes)What is the black metal object shown at right?

A floating contact mine

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Al Henneberry, Halifax, NS, Canada
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Goeff Morton, Plymouth, MA
Gary Moliine, Orland, ME
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
Henry Steers III, Falling Waters, WV
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Dave D, Moncton, NB, Canada
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Alfred DeVaux, Jr., Norwich, VT
Diesel1298, RI
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL

February 2005
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1-feb05.jpg (42924 bytes)The metal ring device shown at right used to be a common fixture on ships. What is it?

Radio Direction Finder (RDF) antenna

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Ken, Jacksonville, FL
Louis Bullard, Marlborough, NH
Lohn Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
Suzanne Reynard, Quincy, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Ken M, Fontana, CA
Jim Blake, North Chelmsford, MA
Joe Luekin, Viera, FL
Marshall Reynard, Quincy, MA

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-feb05.jpg (26453 bytes)Prismatic lighthouse lenses, like the one at right, have a special name. What are they called?

Fresnel Lens

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Ken, Jacksonville, FL
Louis Bullard, Marlborough, NH
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
Jeremy Rhodes, Dover, NH
John Otis Levesque, Bradenton, FL
jdhubbard, Billerica, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Jim Blake, North Chelmsford, MA
Henry Steers III, Falling Waters, WV
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL

January 2005
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon2-jan05.jpg (8538 bytes)A symbol like this is commonly found on the hulls of  large ships worldwide. What is it called?

Plimsoll line or load line - international waterline indicator for maximum load. The different lines are for different seas and weather conditions.

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Lou Sarkas, Yarmouthport, MA
Leeaig, Guilford, CT
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA

Question 2 - For Experts Only
portland-sonar3.jpg (36892 bytes)The sonar image at right shows the sidewheel steamer Portland wreck in Massachusetts Bay. In that image, a large angular object  rises above the rest of the wreck. Note its shadow in the foreground. What is that angular object?

Walking beam - for transfering power to the sidewheels.

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Leeaig, Guilford, CT
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
Alfred DeVaux, Jr., Norwich, VT
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ

December 2004 (No November Questions)
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon-dec03-1.jpg (63903 bytes)What is the tall open-topped object in the middle of the picture?

A ventilator

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Dave Smith, Scituate, MA
Sharon Kissling, Wilmington, NC
Richard Sweeney, Lowell, MA
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
... And several more who's replys we've lost track of. Sorry about that.

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon-dec04-2.jpg (38672 bytes)Duplicates of the two objects at right are mounted beside each cannon on the warship USS Constitution in Boston Harbor. What are these objects?

A worm and rammer. The worm was used to remove debris; the rammer was used to ram the powder charge into place. Both were used with a wood pole.

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Dave Smith, Scituate, MA
Sharon Kissling, Wilmington, NC
Richard Sweeney, Lowell, MA
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
... And several more who's replys we've lost track of. Sorry about that.

October 2004 (No September Questions)
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1-oct04.JPG (23673 bytes)This concrete tower south of Boston was one of many built on the New England coast some years back. What was the purpose of these towers?

Submarine lookout tower from World War II

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Kevin Walsh, Lynn, MA
Vatwins, Chincoteague, VA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Shipwreck 2424557, Preston, CT
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Sharon Kissling, Wilmington, NC

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-oct04.jpg (7822 bytes)This large gold coin was minted in a Spanish-American colony in the 1600s. What is the common name for this type of coin?

Doubloon or Cob. Not a Real or Piece of Eight; they are silver coins. Cobs are hand-made coins of either silver or gold.

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Ray Lout, Holyoke, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
John Daley, Sullivan, ME

August 2004
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1-aug04.jpg (10698 bytes)The steel pins shown at right were commonly used in ship construction in the 1800s and early 1900s. Their size ranged up to 6 inches in length. What are these pins called? Hint - Rosie used lots of them.

Rivets

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Sharon Kissling, Wilmington, NC
Steve Neilsen, Old Saybrook CT
Jim Blake, North Chelmsford, MA
Bob Franey, West Barnstable, MA
Bob Adams, Beverly, MA
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Russell Adler, New London, CT
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Robert Lout, Holyoke, MA
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
Henry Steers 3rd, Falling Waters, WV
Patrick McSherry, Conestoga, PA
Matt Sylvia, West Roxbury, MA
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Gary Moline, Orland, ME
Billy Queen, Virginia Beach, VA
Jeff Shanks, Halifax, NS, Canada
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Dean Golnik, Canterbury, CT
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Sueski!, Williamsburg, VA
Scubacruiser, Boston, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ


Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-aug04.jpg (29393 bytes)Steam-powered workboats like the one shown at right were common in American harbors in the early 1900s. They were used primarily to load and unload cargo. What is the common name for this type of workboat? Hint - it's not a tugboat.

Lighter

The people who submitted the corrrect answer:
Jim Blake, North Chelmsford, MA
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Russell Adler, New London, CT
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Patrick McSherry, Conestoga, PA
Billy Queen, Virginia Beach, VA
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL

July 2004
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1a-jul04.jpg (20624 bytes)Crude Spanish-American silver coins like the one shown at right were used in  worldwide trade in the 1600s and 1700s. These coins were made in several denominations. What is the common name of these coins?

 These hand-made silver coins are called reales (reals) or cobs. The one shown is an 8-reale coin, or piece of eight. Reales were also made as 2-reale and 4-reale coins.

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Dasboot6, Richmond, RI
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
John Schnauks, Marshfield, MA
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Timothy Morton, Charleston, SC
Phillipinejenny1, Portsmouth, NH
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-jul04.jpg (8530 bytes)The large iron balls on the ship's binnacle (compass stand) at right serve an important purpose. Their closeness to the compass can be adjusted. What is the purpose of these iron balls?

 These compensating balls are used to adjust (or compensate) the compass to overcome deviations caused by magnetic materials (iron and steel) in the ship's hull, etc.

The people who submitted the correct answer:
Dasboot6, Richmond, RI
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NJ
Sueski, Williamsburg, VA
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Timothy Morton, Charleston, SC
Erick, Halifax, NS, Canada
Bob Franey, West Barnstable, MA
Adam Shreders, Essex, CT
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL

June 2004 (No May Questions)
artcon-jun04-1.JPG (8940 bytes)Question 1 - Easy Question
For the many of you who submitted the wrong answer for our April Question 1 (correct answer astrolabe), here's a chance to redeem yourselves. The girl at right is using a navigation instrument. What is that instrument called?

Sextant

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
John Williams, New Orleans, LA
Adam Shreders, Essex, CT
Sueski, Wiliamsburg, VA
Bruce Le Page, Groveland, MA
Joe Travis, Palermo, ME
Mike Scorpa, Pittsfield, MA
Paul Fortini, Quincy, MA
Diesel298, RI
John Daley, sullivan, ME
Larry M. Boulier, Ashland, ME
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Bob Franey, Barnstable, MA
Will, Swampscott, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon-jun04-2.jpg (14506 bytes)In honor of the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the allied invasion of Europe, here's a timely question. On D-Day, the beaches of Normandy were lined with thousands of these steel-beam barricades. Their common name is the same as that of a small wild animal. What are they called?

Hedgehogs

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
John Williams, New Orleans, LA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Bob Franey, Barnstable, MA
Will, Swampscott, MA

April 2004
artcon-apr04-1.jpg (32104 bytes)Question 1 - Easy Question
The brass object at right is an early navigation instrument. What is it called?

Astrolabe

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Louis Bullard, Marlborough, NH
George T. Platt, Charlestown, NH
Greg Richardson, St. Petersburg, FL
Redswamp, Windsor Jct., NS, Canada
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Dasboot6, Richmond, RI
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL

artcon-apr04-2.jpg (32665 bytes)Question 2 - For Experts Only
Strings of buoys like these were commonly seen at harbor entrances during World Wars I and II. What was their purpose?

To hold up anti-submarine nets

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Louis Bullard, Marlborough, NH
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
George T. Platt, Charlestown, NH
Paul Fortini, Quincy, MA
Diesel1298, RI
Redswamp, Windsor, Jct., NS, Canada
Sueski, Williamsburg, VA
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Jeff Shanks, Halifax, NS, Canada
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL


March 2004
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon-mar04-1.JPG (24442 bytes)The enclosed ship's stairway at right has a special name. What is it called?

Companionway

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
diesel298, RI
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Bob Franey, Cotuit, MA
John Daley, Sullivan, ME

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon-mar04-2.JPG (24534 bytes)This brass and glass object at right was recovered from an old steamship. It is about 12 inches long. What is it?

 

Sight gauge or sight glass - shows water level in a boiler

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Mike Scorpa, Pittsfield, MA
diesel298, RI
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Bob Franey, Cotuit, MA
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA

February 2004
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon-feb04-1.jpg (19253 bytes) These brass objects were recovered from the Anransas wreck off Cape Cod. They are about 3 inches in diameter. What are they?

Oil lamp heads.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Mike Scorpa, Pittsfield, MA
John McGuire, Rockland, ME
Larry O, New York, NY & Gloucester, MA
gdeange140, Cranbury, NJ
Travis Nickerson, Clark's Harbour, NS, Canada
John Otis Levesque, Bradenton, FL
Edwin J. Weeks, Jr., New Bedford, MA
Haydee, Sunnyside, NY
Peter Nielsen, Easton, CT
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Billy Queen, Virginia Beach, VA
Gail Smith, Ashby, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Brendan Chute, Campobello Island, NB, Canada
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
M. McGrath, Hudson, MA
CKSun, New Smyrna Beach, FL
Bob Franey, Cotuit, MA
Rob Paquette, Attleboro, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Peter C, Newburyport, MA
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
John Daley, Sulivan, ME
shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon-feb04-2.jpg (68620 bytes) This brass object was a common piece of equipment on ships in the past century. It is about 3 feet tall. What is it?

Hand-pumped fog horn. These were common equipment on ships a century ago.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Mike Scorpa, Pittsfield, MA
Pete Marck, Billerica, MA
John McGuire, Rockland, ME
Travis Nickerson, Clark's Harbour, NS, Canada
John Otis Levesque, Bradenton, FL
Peter Nielsen, Easton, CT
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
CKSun, New Smyrna Beach, FL
Bob Franey, Cotuit, MA
Bob Paquette, Attleboro, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT

January 2004 (No questions for December)
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon-jan04-1.jpg (25889 bytes) The porcelain object at right was an important piece of personal equipment in days gone by. What is it?


Chamber pot or thunder mug. They always had a cover and were used a lot before the days of indoor toilets.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Sharon Mink, Rochester, NY
Evelyn, Provincetown, MA
Chico, Provincetown, MA
Dasboot6, Richmond, RI
David Deveau, Cheticamp, Cape Breton, Canada
Henry Steers III, Falling Waters, WV
lpierson@san.rr.com, San Diego, CA
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
Patrick McSherry, Conestoga, PA
L J Cochrane, Strasbourg, Sask., Canada
Wreckdiver, Viera, FL
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Sharon Kissling, Wilmington, NC
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Beth Knox, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Frank Murphy, Plymouth, MA
M. Boulier, Wells, ME
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
birddogbob, Cotuit, MA
Pam, knostick
jrichardson@gsbi-insurance.com, Portsmouth, NH
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon-jan04-2.jpg (33826 bytes) The rusted and cracked iron object at right was originally about 6 inches in diameter. It was submerged in salt water for 100 years. What is it?


Cannon ball

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Sharon Kissling, Wilmington, NC
Chico, Provincetown, MA
David Deveau, Cheticamp, Cape Breton, Canada
Henry Steers III, Falling Waters, WV
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
Scott Sherman, Hudson, NH
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
egf1998, Milford, CT
Frank Murphy, Plymouth, MA
M. Boulier, Wells, ME
birddogbob, Cotuit, MA
Pam, Knostik
jrichardson@gsbi-insurance.com, Portsmouth, NH
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ

November 2003
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon1-nov03.JPG (18129 bytes)The brass object at right was recovered from the steamer Rhode Island wreck in Narragansett By. It is about 5 inches long. What is it?



Tackle block

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Frank Murphy, Plymouth, MA
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
scubasrm2@netzero.net, Venice, FL


Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon2-nov03.JPG (35747 bytes)The World War I German submarine U-117 was studied by the U.S. Navy after the war (photo at right). What was the function of the saw-toothed edge on the bow?

 

A submarine net cutter - for cutting steel nets in harbors.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Frank Murphy, Plymouth, MA
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
John Daley, Sullivan, ME

October 2003
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon-oct03-1.jpg (57305 bytes)We found the brass object at right in the Maritime Museum in Halifax, NS. It is about 18 inches wide. What is it?

 

Builders plaque - usually includes builder's name, hull number and year built

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Wracker123, Lynbrook, NY
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ


Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon-oct03-2.jpg (25943 bytes)The artifact at right is displayed in the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, VA. It is about 10 feet long. What is it?

 

Compound steam engine or triple-expansion steam engine. The steam cylinders are shown. The connecting rods and crank shaft are below the cylinders. For more info, see the message board post dated Nov 2.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Wracker123, Lynbrook, NY
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ

September 2003
Question 1 - Esy Question
artcon-sep03-1.jpg (23003 bytes)The brass object at right was recovered from the steamer Rhode Island wreck in Narragansett Bay. What is it?

Binoculars

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Shipwreck2324557, Preston, CT
hsteers3rd@aol.com, Martinsburg, WV
Henry Steers, Falling Waters, WV
Bruce MacGregor, Wakefield, RI
Sharon Kissling, Wilmington, NC
Russ Neal, Stonington, CT
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ

 Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon-sep03-2a.jpg (36250 bytes)The equipment set at right was commonly used on ships in the past century. What is it?

Taffrail log - used to measure the distance traveled. The meter was clamped to the taffrail (rail at stern) and the fish was towed behind the ship.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Shipwreck2324557, Preston, CT
hsteers3rd@aol.com, Martinsburg, WV
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Russ Neal, Stonington, CT
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ

August 2003
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon-aug03-1.jpg (9251 bytes)The object at right is from an old ship. What is it?

 Engine-order telegraph - used to communicate between the bridge and the engine room. There was one of these units on each end, connected by mechanical cables.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
John Kaiser, Saint Petersburg, FL
John Otis Levesque, Bradenton, FL
Steven Neilsen, Old Saybrook, CT
Paul Barton, Dover, NH
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
joycemarie3, Boston, MA
shipwrecked2324557, Preston, CT
Mike Mason, Harwich, MA
Rich Frechete, Moosup, CT
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon-aug03-2.jpg (23457 bytes)The picture at right shows a ship artifact partially buried on the seafloor. The round part is about 12 inches in diameter. What is the artifact?

Engine-order telegraph

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
John Kaiser, Saint Petersburg, FL
John Otis Levesque, Bradenton, FL
Paul Barton, Dover, NH
Chad Smith, Boston, MA
shipwrecked2423557, Preston, CT
Mike Mason, Harwich, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ

July 2003
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon-jul03-1.jpg (60211 bytes)A century ago, hardwood dowels, like the one at right, were commonly used to fasten the hull frames of wooden ships. Note the expansion wedge in the end of the dowel. What are these dowels called?

Treenail or trunnel

The people listed below submitted the correct answer: 
vhtmstr@aol.com, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
fgage@bfit.edu, Boston, MA
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon-jul03-2.jpg (49359 bytes)The yellow cylindrical object at right was recovered from the Steamer Rhode Island wreck, sunk in Narragansett Bay in 1880. It is hard as a rock, has a subtle chemical smell, and was a common household item in the past century. What is it?

Sulfur fumigating candle. These candles were burned to rid buildings of rodents and bugs. There's nothing nastier than the fumes from burning sulfur.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer: 
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI

June 2003
Question 1 - Easy Question
artcon-jun03-1.jpg (23283 bytes)The bronze hardware at right was recovered from an old steamship. The large pulleys are about 4 inches in diameter. What was this hardware used for? Hint - think communication.

Linkage for engine order telegraph

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Ronald Hamski, Shoreham, NY
Robert Fraser, Elmont, NY
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
John Bricker, Lynbrook, NY
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA

Question 2 - For Experts Only
artcon-jun03-2.jpg (24670 bytes)The tackle block at right was recovered from the Joseph S. Zeman wreck in Maine. It's a type of deadeye, but has a special name. What is it called?

Heart

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
John Daley, Sullivan, ME

May 2003
artcon-may03.jpg (36126 bytes)The bronze object at right was recovered from the wreck of the mine sweeper USS Grouse, off Rockport, MA. The outer ring is about 6 inches in diameter. What is it?

Gun Sight

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Mark Casasanta, East Boston, MA
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Brian Doniger, East Bridgewater, MA
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Teddy Garlock, Pittsford
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Ronald Hamski, Shoreham, NY
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL

April 2003
artcon-apr03.jpg (32897 bytes)The brass object at right was recovered from the steamer Pinthis wreck. Its height is about 4 feet. What is it?

Steam whistle

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Kaz, Peabody, MA
Steven Williams, Denver, CO
Wracker123, Lynbrook, NY
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
Paul Barton, Dover, NH
Jeff Gambrazzio, Wareham, MA
Bob Stevens, Odessa, FL
Don Krametz, Woodbridge, NJ
Paul Fortini, Quincy, MA
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Steven Neilsen, Old Saybrook, CT
Bruce Lepage, Groveland, MA
Ron Hamski, Shoreham, NY
Adam Shreders, Essex, CT
Jimmie O, Norton, MA
Bob Franey, Cotuit, MA
Deacon John, Raynham, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
Newman
John Daley, Sullivan, ME

March 2003
artcon-mar03.jpg (23614 bytes)The wood and brass object at right was recovered from a New England wreck. What is it?

A binnacle or compass stand

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Al Langner, Coventry, CT
Jim Rocha, Fairhaven, MA
Adam Shreders, Essex, CT
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
Shipwreck2423557, Preston, CT
George Kostanza
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Ronald Hamski, Shoreham, NY
Warren Mahew, Saugus, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Evelyn, Provincetown, MA
Chico, Provincetown, MA
Bruce LePage
Diesel298, RI

February 2003
artcon-feb03.jpg (15920 bytes)We found the wood artifact at right displayed in a hotel lobby in the Florida Keys. Its overall length is about 5 feet. What is it?

Ship's figurehead

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Craig Bussel, Groton, CT
mpwing, Canton, MI
Ron Lapierre, North Oxford, MA
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Sylvia Montalvo, El Monte, CA
S. Cornacchia, South Kingstown, RI
Mark Peters, Ypsilanti, MI
Al Langner, Coventry, CT
Jimmie O, Norton, MA
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
shipwreck 2423557, Preston, CT

January 2003
artcon-jan03.jpg (15663 bytes)Since many people had trouble identifying last month's artifact, this month's will be an easy one. The lantern at right is a reproduction of an important piece of equipment from an old ship. What is it? Note that the color of the lens is a clue to its identity.

Port running light

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
shipwreck 2423557, Preston, CT
John Misaiuk, Bellingham, MA
diesel298, RI
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
ff2flash, Fairhaven, MA
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
John Callahan, Norfolk, VA
Mark Munro, Griswold, CT
Ronald Hamski, Shoreham, NY
Evelyn, Provincetown, MA
Chico, Provincetown, MA

December 2002
artcon-dec02.jpg (23977 bytes)The artifact at right was recovered from an old steam tug. It is made of brass and its overall length is approximately 6 inches. What is it?

Greaser, or grease cup -- used to inject grease into the bearings of engine linkages, etc. These greasers were mounted on the outside of the bearing housings. A turn of the handle would inject a small amount of grease.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Ronald Hamski, Shoreham, NY
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
diesel1298, RI
J. S. Gomes, Bridgewater, MA
Bill McCombs, West Milford, NJ

November 2002
artcon-nov02.JPG (14991 bytes)The photo at right was taken last summer by NOAA researchers on the wreck of the Steamer Portland in Massachusetts Bay. It shows two large iron objects from the deck of the vessel. What are these objects?

Bollards, used for securing docking lines. Several people called them bitts, which is also an acceptable answer. Others called them cleats. Cleats are a different type of device for securing lines, but they had the right idea, so we accepted that answer too.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Shipwreck2423557.com, Preston, CT
Greg Carman, Milford, CT
Geoff Morton, Plymouth, MA
Pam Eomund, Park Ridge, IL
Elaine Bennis, New York, NY
Mark Munro, Griswold, CT
Bruce LePage, Groveland, MA
Jack Klug, Houston, TX
ff2flash@aol, Fairhaven, MA
Diesel1298, RI
Adam Shreders, Essex, CT
Houdini, Greeneville, TN
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Joe Leuken, Viera, FL
Ronald Hamski, Shoreham, NY

October 2002
artcon-oct02.JPG (27156 bytes)The clear glass objects at right are used in ship construction and are found mostly on old ships and classic yachts. The right one was recovered from an old wreck; the left one is new.  The typical diameter is 4-5 inches. What are they?

Deck prisims. These glass prisms are inserted (pointed side down) in a ship's deck to distribute daylight into areas below deck.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
John Schnauck, Marshfield, MA
Patrick M. Mahoney, York, ME
Jimmie O, Norton, MA
douglasamaier@hotmail.com, Milford, MA
Matt Sylvia, West Roxbury, MA
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
Roupen Baker, Yarmouthport, MA
Ronald Hamski, Rocky Point, NY
Frank Querzoli, Cambridge, MA
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL

September 2002
artcon-sep02.JPG (17639 bytes)The device at right was used on most World War II German U-boats. No, it's not a typewriter, what is it?

Enigma code machine. This device was used to encode and decode transmitted messages.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
coasidr@attbi.com, Moss Beach
ROVjockee, Houston
Drew Trent, Houston
Darren O'Shea, Edison, NJ
Dan Bender, Doylestown, PA
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Paul F. McCarthy, Marshfield, MA
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
Susan Campbell, Raymond
Frank Querzoli, Cambridge, MA 
heirail@yahoo.com, Oak Bluffs, MA
fishon097, New London
icthioo, Marshfield, MA
merwint, Alstead, NH
Jimmie O, Norton, MA 
davidj@ktc.com, Kerrville
Harry Fish, Jr., Davison, MI
Ronald Hamski, Rocky Point, NY
silser727, Canton, MI
Hugh Lindor, Mission, British Columbia, Canada
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Ed K, Coventry, RI
Anthony Pasquale, Sag Harbor, NY 
Bruce@fastdial.net, Groveland, MA
Evelyn, Provincetown, MA
Chico, Provincetown, MA

August 2002
artcon-aug02.JPG (12682 bytes)The dark brown structural member at right is used extensively in the construction of wooden ships. What is the nautical name for this object?

Knee. Knees are angled wood supports or brackets used in ship construction. They come in all sizes.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Ronald Hamski, Rocky Point, NY
Chico, Provincetown, MA
Evelyn, Provincetown, MA
Karen Kurt Teal, Seattle, WA

July 2002
artcon-jul02.gif (14445 bytes)In the old days, the apparatus at right was used to rescue people from shipwrecks that occurred near shore. What is the name of this apparatus?

Breeches buoy. A small cannon was used to shoot a light line from shore to a stranded ship nearby. People on the ship then pulled heavier lines from shore and rigged them to a mast or other high point. The breeches buoy (a ring buoy with attached canvas shorts or breeches) was then used to transfer stranded people to shore.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Joe Lueken, Viera, FL
Ronald Hamski, Rocky Point, NY
Chico, Provincetown, MA
Evelyn, Provincetown, MA
Dave Knibbs, Bristol, CT 
Briane@alphalink.com.au, Melbourne, Australia
Mike Phelan, Melbourne, Australia
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
Al Perkins, New Smyrna, FL
Tom Berkey, Fairfax, VA
Steamboat, Monson
Gus, Deltona, FL
Anthony Pasquale, Sag Harbor, NY
Jimmy O, Norton, MA

June 2002
dog-knocker.JPG (20460 bytes)The handsome door knocker at right was made from a shipwreck artifact. What is the artifact?

Porthole dog

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Chico, Provincetown, MA
Evelyn, Provincetown, MA
Dave Knibbs, Bristol, CT
Ron Hamski, Shoreham
Harry Fisher, Jr., Jonesport, ME
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
John Morgan, Maryville, TN
Matt Fahey, Quincy
Wreckdivr, Viera, FL
Don Morse, Beverly
May 2002
zeman-art.JPG (37175 bytes)The two bronze objects at right were recovered from the wreck of the wood-hulled schooner Joseph S. Zeman. They work together as a set. What are they?

The parts of a rudder hinge. The top one (pintle) is attached to the rudder. The bottom one (gudgeon) is attached to the stern post. Large wooden ships typically have three or more rudder hinges.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
Dave Knibbs, Bristol, CT
John Stanford, Jamestown, RI
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
weazel52, Ledyard, CT
Chico, Provincetown, MA
Evelyn, Provincetown, MA
Neer Danielli, Foxboro, MA
Harry Fish, Jr., Jonesport, ME
Ronald Hamski, Rocky Point, NY
April 2002
ctool-wrc.JPG (19710 bytes)The brass object at right was found on the wreck of the USS Yankee. Its longest dimension is 8 inches and it originally had a cylindrical wood handle on the shaft end. What is it? Hint, note that the flared end looks something like a shoe horn.

Diver's cuff tool. It originally had a wood handle over the long shaft. This tool was used like a shoe horn to help hard-hat divers get their dry suits on and off.

Several people submitted answers, but none were correct.

March 2002
 artcon-0203.JPG (24590 bytes)To get you started, our first question is an easy one... What is the name of the wood object pictured at right? Many of them were used on old sailing ships. Their size ranges up to 12 inches in diameter. Caution, similar objects with different hole configurations have different names.

Deadeye. Deadeyes were usually made of a hard, self-lubricating wood called Lignum vitae. They were used to adjust the tension on the standing rigging - the lines that support the masts. On most modern sailing ships, turnbuckles are used in place of deadeyes.

The people listed below submitted the correct answer:
tanya0922@aol.com, Staten Island, NY
fe203c, Blackstone, MA
SubArch, Santa Monica, CA
Mike Baker, Rochester, NH
gravrbr@aol.com, Salem, MA
jwillis, Barnstable, MA
Chico, Provincetown, MA
scubasrm2@aol.com, Venice, FL
MadDog, Brick, NJ
BaitCutter, Hamilton, GA
John Daley, Sullivan, ME
Dave Knibbs, Bristol, CT

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