Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal:Comet on the Clyde

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Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal:Comet on the Clyde

AssociatedAssociated with Lord Mountbatten of Burma (Frogmore House, Windsor, England, 1900 - 1979)

Medallist John Pinches, Medallists

DateMay 2004

Object NameMedal

MediumSterling Silver

ClassificationsMedals

AcquisitionPresented in 2004 by Dr Joan M Burrell.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS072500.38

Keywords

About MeAlthough Comet was not the first steamer, she was the first to proceed to open sea, the first to run commercially in Europe and the first to be officially registered as a British merchant steamship.

Henry Bell financed and designed Comet for his own passenger service between Glasgow and Helensburgh on the Clyde, at which latter place he was proprietor of an hotel with bathing accommodation. The hull was built by John Wood & Company of Port Glasgow, and the engines were constructed and fitted by John Robertson of Glasgow. The engine is still preserved at the Science Museum, London, and consists of a single upright cylinder placed over the crankshaft and driving a pair of half side levers. Power was transmitted to two paddle wheels, placed on each side of the wooden hull of the vessel. Steam was provided by a low-pressure boiler made by David Napier. A tall funnel was equipped with a yard upon which a square sail could be hoisted to give additional speed when favourable wind conditions prevailed.

Comet' s maiden voyage from Port Glasgow to the Broomielaw took place on 6th August, 18 12, and she covered the distance in three and a halfhours. Bell himself was on board, with Robertson, the designer of the engines: William McKenzie, formerly a schoolmaster at Helensburgh was master for the historic voyage.

It was soon found that two sets of paddle-wheels were impractical, and one pair was removed and greater efficiency in propulsion resulted.

After service on the Clyde for several years, Comet operated on the Firth of Forth, and Bell later transferred her to the west coast of Scotland again to inaugurate steam communication between Glasgow and the Western Highlands.

Comet was at first registered at Port Glasgow in 1813, and measured 25 tons on dimensions of 43ft 6in length, 11 ft 4in breadth, and 5 ft 9in depth. Her engines were rated at 3 or 4 horsepower. She was altered in 1819 by James Niccol and her length was increased to 73ft 10in, being increased in tonnage to 30 tons. The end of Comet came on 15th December, 1820 when she ran ashore at Craignish Point and became a total wreck.

The Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea, John Pinches Medallists Ltd.