Historical information
Although the provenance cannot be confirmed it is believed that this lead possibly originated from the SS Time.
Significance
Since at least the sixth century B.C. the sounding lead or sounding weight was in use in the Mediterranean area for maritime navigation. It is the oldest known marine navigational instrument and it remained a primary navigational aid in coastal waters and rivers well into the twentieth century.
Physical description
A sounding lead with rope line attached. One surviving leather fathom depth marker is spliced into the rope.
Subjects
References
- Depth Sounding A sounding line or lead line is a length of thin rope with a plummet, generally of lead, at its end. Regardless of the actual composition of the plummet, it is still called a "lead". Leads were swung, or cast, by a leadsman, usually standing in the chains of a ship, up against the shrouds. Measuring the depth of water by lead and line dates back to ancient civilization. It continues in widespread use today in recreational boating and as a backup to electronic echo sounding devices .
