Sunday, May 23, 2010

Timby’s Revolving Fort

A correspondent, some days ago, called attention through our columns to this remarkable invention, so highly commended by the following article from the Congressional Globe. It is safe to say that there is nothing in the element of defense presenting such unparalleled and concentrated powers as is clearly shown in this engine, which is adapted equally to land and water fortification.

TIMBY’S REVOLVING IRON FORT.

We desire to call general attention to this truly wonderful engine of defense, a working model of which is now on exhibition in the south wing of the Treasury department. It is probably the most formidable, and at the same time the most simple invention of its kind. It consists of an iron or steel tower, made shot and shell proof, mounting and indefinite number of the heaviest guns, so arranged that they can all be brought to bear, once a minute, upon any desired point. A still more important advantage is that every gun can be sighted and discharged with mathematical precision, and without the aid of machinery.

This engine is equally suited for a land or water fortification. In the latter, however, Mr. Timby limits its construction to a single tier of guns. In either case it is so arranged as to attack or defend itself at different points at the same time by a simple use of electricity.

The many admirers of this fearful machine may be interested in knowing that Mr. Timby, its proprietor, is also its real inventor. We have seen a certified copy, signed by the Commissioner of Patents, of specifications filed by Mr. Timby in the Patent Office as early as January 18, 1843, describing a revolving metallic fortification, arranged both for land and water. Since then Mr. Timby informs us that he has continued to construct and experiment up to the time of the completion of the present gigantic revolver, which we believe can hardly fail to effect a complete revolution in coast defences.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

No comments: