Cable compressor

Scale: Unknown. Working model of a anchor chain cable compressor as proposed by the Plymouth-Yard Officers, 1835. The model is made almost entirely of wood of different species some of which are lightly stained and finished in a matt varnish. The bed of the compressor is partly rectangular in shape, the top of which is set roughly at an angle of 45 degrees to the deck. There is a large circular hole in the bed of the compressor through which the anchor chain passes to and from the chain locker below decks. Mounted on top of the compressor is a large grooved roller and two smaller rollers set at right angles to each other, a large two piece hinged flap together with a grooved bar pivoting at one end, which is operated by a long pivoting handle, nipping the cable to stop it's movement.