The Propeller Indiana’s “Philadelphia Wheel”

The Propeller Indiana’s “Philadelphia Wheel”

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Description
Indiana's propeller was manufactured by Spang & Co. of Pittsburgh, PA, as stamped on one of the blades. This firm, a large iron manufacturing company centered in Pittsburgh, PA, was founded in 1828 and was one of the earliest and largest manufacturers of iron products in the United States.
The hub of the propeller is cast iron; the blades are rolled iron. One of the intact blades is chipped and dented, suggesting a collision. Another blade is missing outside the yellow line, which marks where a large section broke loose, probably from hitting an object in the water. This piece struck the Indiana's sternpost, literally “shivered her timbers,” and started the leak that sank the ship. The blade broke off completely when the ship struck the lakebed and was found at the wreck site, buried in the sand under the stern post. It is reproduced here in fiberglass.
The closest design is by Richard Loper of Philadelphia, who registered three propeller-related patents in 1844 and 1845 and licensed his ideas to shipbuilders Reany, Neafie & Co., also of Philadelphia. Contemporary accounts state that Loper’s design was the most popular in the Great Lakes region, and some Lakes propeller manufacturers even advertised his design as the “Philadelphia Wheel.”
Object Name
propeller
Date made
1848
possible patentee
Loper, Richard
maker
Spang & Company
Physical Description
iron (overall material)
cast iron (hub material)
rolled iron (blades material)
Measurements
overall: 4 in x 1 in x 115 3/4 in; x 10.16 cm x 2.54 cm x 294.005 cm
ID Number
1979.1030.05
catalog number
1979.1030.05
accession number
1979.1030
Credit Line
Gift of Michigan Department of State, Michigan History Division (through Bruce J. Andrews)
subject
Engineering
Building & Architecture
related event
Expansion and Reform
See more items in
Work and Industry: Maritime
Cultures & Communities
Work
Energy & Power
Industry & Manufacturing
Transportation
On the Water exhibit
Exhibition
On the Water
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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