Taffrail log spinner. 8% Nautical Taffrail Ship Log Made in England by Thos. Nov 27, 2014 · (The Walker Cherub III Log) was developed in 1879, 13 years after the Harpoon log, by Thomas Ferdinand Walker for larger size ships. Ltd. Pair of American brass nautical taffrail log spinners, Late 19th century. Antique General Electric & Co. TAFFRAIL LOG W/SPINNER & THE LIONEL CORP. I do not know if this is in working condition. Log with 3 Dials in tact. Also, Davis Echomaster radar reflector, Davis Mk3 Sextant , and an artificial horizon. 75" and is marked "50M" in what appears to be similar to a grease pencil. accompanying drawing, forming a part thereof. Thos. Background The Taffrail Ship Log () is the way ships determined their speed. The rotator, or spinner, is a pointed brass tube with four long, twisting fins. , of England. Aug 10, 2025 · Rare Early American John Bliss , Taffrail Log W Original Spinner Bronze & Brass. Cherub. It needs a new rope and wondered if anyone could suggest somewhere able to replace/mend it… Rare Antique Ship Taffrail Log Maritime Marine Nautical Boat Speed Spinner KH | Antiques, Maritime, Other Maritime Antiques | eBay! Design fob a taffrail log spinner USD114746S ( en ) 1939-05-16 Design fob a bottle USD112272S ( en ) 1938-11-22 Design fob a bottle USD119088S ( en ) 1940-02-20 Design for a bottle USD91898S ( en ) 1934-04-03 Design fok a boxxle USD127908S ( en ) 1941-06-24 Design fok a souvenir tea bell USD95835S ( en ) 1935-06-04 Design for a marmalade jar A group of three nautical antiques includes a "John Bliss NY Taffrail Log" and two brass fish spinners, one also signed "Bliss" and a larger one signed "T. The log was manufactured in the United States during World War II, making it a piece of history that is highly sought after. Jun 22, 2025 · Shiney Brass Spinner for measuring a ship's speed in knots. The log worked by trailing a spinner (also called a "fish") in the water behind the ship. Circa 1945 mint in box Walker's Cherub III taffrail log with two brass spinners with braided cords. With clear marks on the face and engraved on the log: "Walker Cherub Log Mark III Trademark, With an anchor with the initials T. 00 or Best Offer Free shipping from India Sponsored heritageantique Physical description John Bliss Taffrail ship log incomplete, rope and spinner missing used on the vessel "Speculant " ( See "Notes" at the end of this document for further information) Inscriptions & markings "Taffrail Log Patented Nov . A fine example with enamel face. An example is the Walker Harpoon Log, patented in 1861, which featured the inclusion of dials into the rotator, thereby reducing the total bulk of the instrument. Tastefully mounted on a beautiful Wood Plinth. Cherub Rotator is used (bullet shaped spinner) w EARLY JOHN NEGUS TAFFRAIL SHIPS LOG & SPINNER with box Maritime Nautical Boat | Antiques, Marine/Maritime | eBay! John Bliss & Co Taffrail Log Spinner Only This spinner is in very good condition with little signs of use Marked John Bliss & Co Please ask any questions before bidding All my items sold as is This American Ship Boat Taffrail Log with Spinner Samuel Thaxter is a rare find for any maritime enthusiast. End spinner missing Taffrail log. D. Gray painted brass body with enamel dial reading up to 100 miles and subsidiary dial reading up to 10 miles. A log spinner is a navigation tool mariners use to estimate the speed of a vessel through water. 5 Inch Diameter, 14 Inch long, Full 40 Inch length. While these rotators come in various colors and finishes, they are all similar in design. With the time in hours between the observations, it… Mar 29, 2025 · The taffrail spinner would be attached via a coupling and rope to the mechanical "log" which would be attached to the taffrail (the stern railing on a vessel) and would record speed and distance travelled. New York with box. Don't forget to USA SHIPPING & Buyers Only. 99 or Best Offer +$30. Ship-log with tafrailshoe, rope and propellor, made of brass with enamel dial. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bliss Nautical Taffrail Log with counting spinner propeller, Antique, Brass. The ship's motion through the water caused the spinner to rotate, driving a mechanism that calculated how far the ship had travelled and indicated the results on a dial. This set is complete and includes:Original bronze spinner (rotor/fish) — with beautifully aged Feb 29, 2024 · The Taffrail log, Figure 3, subsequently officially named the Cherub log, was a very significant improvement as it was designed such that it did not have to be hauled aboard to effect a reading. Lot 4803: Brass taffrail log spinner with braided rope and coupling. Sep 1. In overall very good condition, nicely cleaned up. 0 new watchers per day, 2,013 days for sale on eBay. The first effective frictionless log model to be commercially produced was originally patented by Edward Massey (c 1768-1852) in 1802 called the perpetual log, it was later improved by Alexander Bain in 1846 until Thomas Walker (1805-73) and his son Thomas Ferdinand Walker (1837-1921),patented their Frictionless Harpoon log in 1861. TAFFRAIL LOG (2 PCS)Auction Location: 1 North King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817, United States Previewing Details:INSPECTION: November 30th - December 2nd, 2023, Thursday-Saturday (By Appointment + Walk-Ins Accepted) 12PM - 5PM At 1 North King Street (Corner Of King & Nuuanu). Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. This device, named after the Taffrail (the rail around the stern of a ship), Taffrail log was the nautical mechanism used to measure speed in knots and miles per hour. Aug 20, 2024 · Antique Ship's Taffrail Log Spinner Can be kept with patina or polished off. Get the best deals on Taffrail Log when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. Shipping Group (A). Negus for sale, a rare find for vintage ship salvage collectors. NOTES: The Walker Cherub Taffrail log was patented on October 30, 1878. , Birmingham England 1870 - 1890. The log comes with a box and Jan 13, 2021 · View sold price and similar items: JOHN BLISS & CO. | Browse our daily deals for even more savings! | Free shipping on many items! WW2 Walkers Trident Electric Taffrail Log Manufactured under the “Defense Production Act” For The War Effort In Birmingham England. Walker & Son, Birmingham, Taffrail log. Walker & Son Spinner "Fish" Description: The item up for bids is an Excelsior taffrail log spinner made by Thomas Walker & Son, Ltd. 5” x 7” and 4” high Piece of American History and should be in museum A must have for any Shop Taffrail Log T. The traffail spinner was almost black when we acquired it so we gave it a sympathetic clean and light polish. from age. The maker of this antique is John Bliss. Negus, Pearl Street, New York. The milometer on the scale messures up to 100 miles. Beneath the glass, there is a gauge with a white enamel face, black graduation marks along the perimeter, and black numerals Top Rated Plushallboys321 (3,171) 100% Antique Ship's Taffrail Log Nautical Marine Boat Tool Spinner Prop Register $259. This corded electric table lamp comes with a light sensor that turns the lamp on and off Mar 8, 2013 · Someone referred to "taffrail logs" under the general heading of what to do when the technology fails. Taffrail Log, John Bliss & Co. Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs. the second brass spinner has a blade. The model is T. Check out this fantastic vintage ships Taffrail Log Spinner Lamp. Cherub". at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! For Sale on 1stDibs - Two solid brass taffrail spinners with braided rope and coupling used to send data back to the shipboard log. Most of these ship's logs have a maximum distance reading of 100 miles and so are not indented to be used to actually measure distance traveled like is done with the car odometer Mar 24, 2023 · SHORT DESCRIPTION: Walker’s patent Taffrail ‘Cherub’ Ship-log, made by Thomas WALKER of London or Birmingham, in wooden box. A rare example that measures in statute miles as against nautical knots. 33" x 6" - Rope between the two displayed items with nameplate 'TAFFRAIL LOG' at top center of base. INVENTORY: Log spinner, indicator head, mounting plate, box - thre are four (4 Jan 16, 2019 · The taffrail or patent log keeping count of the miles made good by the State of Maine in 1900 was likely a Walker’s “Cherub” III, and thus a close relative to the brand new Excelsior IV model I soon bought from Robert E. (1) with cord & coupler - 4 lbs. 25". with 3 sets of dials, 2 with hands missing The John Bliss & Co. It has a vintage style that perfect for those who love the 1950s era. This example includes the spinner and the governor making it very complete. Vintage/Antique Items: Please note Fisher-Pierce taffrail log. 010622 - HE. In overall good condition, nicely cleaned up. The recorder would have been connected with a short line to the spinner and the spinner with a line of about 65 fathoms to the rotator at the end of the line. This unit has been meticulously polished and lacquered. Very collectable. 6 oz. , all in very good condition and are clean. Taffrail Log New York USA - about 10" Long - Serial Number stamped on bottom of log. . The label describes Mar 25, 2021 · A brass ships taffrail log spinner, part nautical gimbled lamp, In Antique & Picture Sale This auction is live! You need to be registered and approved to bid at this auction. I have not been able to test it so I don't know it's workin PicClick Insights - Rare Antique Ship Taffrail Log Maritime Marine Nautical Boat Speed Spinner KH PicClick Exclusive Popularity - 4 watchers, 0. S. Casting the log every few hours allowed the navigator to average the speed, and calculate the distance traveled. Most of these ship's logs have a maximum distance reading of 100 miles and so are not indented to be used to actually measure distance traveled like is done with the car odometer Dec 22, 2024 · Stunning 1950's Ships Taffrail Log Spinner Nautical Lamp, Fishing, Sea, Boat BCD (4136) Business 100% positive Seller's other items Contact seller £99. It was made by Thomas Walker & Son, Ltd of Birmingham, England whose name is synonymous with patent logs. Use Walker's solidified oil. All my items are magnetically marked and returns will only be accepted of the exact item that Dec 12, 2024 · The unit type is a unit and the primary materials are brass and glass. You'll find new or used products in Taffrail Log on eBay. , and Excelsior; one fin also has the number 368. Item for sale is an Antique Brass Nautical Instrument Impeller Spinner Taffrail Log and Original Line, by Thomas Walker & Son Ltd. With a four bladed, brass rotator stamped with initial N and Negus New York. By making a distance measurement for a known length of time the speed can be determined. , Birmingham England . The log is made of brass and hails from the United States, with a military branch of US Navy. The spinner is torpedo shaped with four fins, each is marked with a stamped anchor, T. This is a brass taffrail log manufactured by TSK in Yokohama Japan. Brass Taffrail Log with Spinner and line is a unique maritime antique from the United States, specifically the World War I era. The clock has to be fixed on the rail at the stern of a ship, the taffrail. , Schenectady, NY. The blade is engraved "NEGUS NEW TORK" with a large "N" also. Please read this description and view the photos carefully before bidding/buying or asking any questions, thank you . TAFFRAIL LOG from Vintage Accents Auctions on January 3, 0121 10:00 AM EST. It has a fixing plate, on which it can turn, with which it would have been attached to a suitable part of the ship, typically the taffrail, the rail at the stern of a ship. , 58 Oxford St. Closer to the ship, or even Rare Vintage Brass Walker's "COMMODORE" Electric Antique Ship Taffrail Log Maritime Museum Quality Nautical Ship Yacht Instrument One of Walker's Rarest and Substantial Logs - A Walker's "COMMODORE" Electric Log, made in England by Thos. , of Birmingham, England. White Instruments on the Boston waterfront. End spinner missing Comments (0) Main Digital original Analog original Scientific Use of image Version iBase ID 66726 Creator Unattributed Title Jul 10, 2024 · Antique Ship's Taffrail Log Nautical Marine Boat Tool Spinner Prop Register TiqueTrader (21737) 100% positive Seller's other items Contact seller Antique Ship's Taffrail Log Spinner Can be kept with patina or polished off. Browse our daily deals for even more savings! Free shipping on many items! Nov 22, 2024 · Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Antique Ship's Taffrail Log Spinner at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! Nov 7, 2022 · John Bliss & Co. One is hallmarked Negus, MILF, New York, and the letter “S”. The taffrail log was towed from the stern or taffrail of the ship by a long line. ", dial registers 1/4, units and 10's. Bronze, Brass and pig metal. 99 0 bids Ends in 4d 13h Condition: -- Place bid Add to watchlist Shipping: US $20. As a result, this type of log was often called a taffrail log. It is a brass finned head with a rope attached to an egg Description This is a Brass Taffrail Log Rotator. The number of times the spinner turned in the water would register on the meter as miles traveled. In 1834, now trading as Bliss Jun 16, 2025 · This original log spinner/rotator is a great addition to any maritime collection. It is immense in size compared to other logs, and is arguably the most useful and long serving log offered. Around 1800, the first practical mechanical log was patented. W. Crafted with precision, the spinner evokes the spirit of exploration and the thrill of conquering the open seas. Vented a new, original, and ornamental Design I claim: for a Tafirail Log Spinner, of which the following The ornamental design for a taffrail log spinner is a specification, reference being had to the substantially as shown. I thought it might be a taffrail log. The blade is engraved 'NEGUS NEW TORK' with Aug 5, 2022 · Includes a metal four-bladed spinner, signed on each fin with the "anchor" mark, "TW" and "T. Walker & Son Ltd. The recorder would have been connected to a rotor that was towed behind the ship. Free shipping on selected items. Very good condition, everyone appears to be intact, no viable damage. I have not been able to test it so I don't know it's workin Shop our brass ships log selection from top sellers and makers around the world. 80 shipping Sponsored tiquetrader (21,653) 99. This device was basically a rope with knots tied at intervals along its length. (1828-1894) & John Davidson Negus (1833-1890) manufacturers and merchants of chronometers and other fine marine instruments. … Aug 4, 2022 · Includes a metal four-bladed spinner, signed on each fin with the "anchor" mark, "TW" and "T. The towrope, made of braided cotton, is protected from chafe by a leather and twine patch where it joins the rotator. The front has protective glass that is mounted in a round brass frame. Antique Brass Nautical Instrument, Taffrail Log, by Thomas Walker & Son Ltd. (1828-1894) & John Davidson Negus (1833-1890) manufacturers and merchants of chronometers and other fine marine instruments It had a spinner which drove dials through a clockwork mechanism indicating distance, and became known as a patent log. The top of the enameled face stat Get the best deals on walker log when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. Brass Taffrail Log with Spinner and Box, Complete An original antique Bliss & Co Taffrail Log bronze, by John Bliss & Co. He asked me what it was. This important innovation added to the company's success. But while a glimpse of Capt. Mechanical ship logs were invented in the eighteenth century and they were used to determine a vessels speed through the water and the distance run. Cool piece! Thomas Walker Excelsior Taffrail Log Spinner 11" long overall and shaft is 1". Circa early 1900's. $50. Aug 22, 2024 · A great antique Taffrail made by the John Hand & Sons Co. com. Cherub, T. W. Since the sixteenth century, sailors had determined vessel speed using a log. Has the bronze spinner in great shape with the makers mark. Has anchor motif embossed on one blade with "T. Ship-Log, Type E and was used on ships to measure distance through water. Get the best deals for Taffrail Log at eBay. 00See detailsfor shipping Located in: Hollywood, Florida, United States Delivery: Estimated between Mon, Jun 10 and Wed, Jun 12 to 23917 Returns: This example includes the spinner and the governor making it very complete. If a navigator knows the course steered and the distance the ship has travelled through the water, a I came across this item in recently purchased sailboat of a friend. The taffrail log system includes the fish, the line, and the vane. This item is a perfect addition to any collection of maritime antiques, with its unique design and historical significance. " There is a log of this type in the Royal Maritime Museum, Greenwich but A 1950's vintage Brass Taffrail Log Spinner, An aluminium part from a high voltage insulator and some used brass fittings. These devices are in a good antique shape with a great brass. This two-part mechanical log measures a vessel's speed though the water. According to the Collection file it came from the steam yacht SENECA. End spinner missing Comments (0) Main Digital original Analog original Scientific Use of image Version iBase ID 66726 Creator Unattributed Title Get the best deal for Taffrail Log from the largest online selection at eBay. Get the best deal for Walker Log In other Maritime Antiques from the largest online selection at eBay. Perfect for use in a ship's taffrail, this item is a must-have for any nautica enthusiast. Two solid brass taffrail spinners with braided rope and coupling used to send data back to the shipboard log. The taffrail spinner would be attached via a coupling and rope to the mechanical "log" which would be attached to the taffrail (the stern railing on a vessel) and would Dec 2, 2023 · Rare Antique Ship Taffrail Log Maritime Marine Nautical Boat Speed Spinner KH Store of Varied Content (6520) Jun 17, 2025 · Included is the Log, the spinner or fish, and the line. John Bliss (1795-1857) was born in Connecticut, trained as a silversmith and clockmaker in Vermont, and began in business as a jeweler in New York around 1830. This exquisite ship-log features the iconic taffrail spinner, a symbol of bygone seafaring adventures. England. Taffrail Log with Brass Spinner, #2418, Circa 1918 : Maritime Antique, Marine Instrument : General Electric Corp. On each fin is an anchor and T. Other versions of Taffrail logs measured a ship's speed rather than the distance Jul 9, 2024 · An early antique. Cherub $750. Global shipping available. The spinner/rotator is in excellent working order and is sure to impress any collector. Everything was contained in one unit, which was towed astern on a line, and had to be hauled in every watch to read the register. , Birmingham. You'll find new or used products in walker log on eBay. 75" x 3. A brass Walkers cherub ships log spinner converted into a table lamp, measuring 37cm tall. A ship-log records the distance travelled through the water. ca. Rare Early American Antique John Bliss & Co New York, Taffrail Log Complete with Original Spinner Bronze & Brass From around 1886 Serial number 239. The log has a cylindrically-shaped heavy brass body and a swivel base to allow for mounting on the taffrail of a ship. (British, 1805-1873), and a three-bladed bronze propeller. "; a rope tail and leader weight, finished with a brummel hook; six-spoke hand wheel with rope tail and brummel hook; gray-painted mounting socket with two attachment points and spring-loaded socket cover marked "Walker's Commodore Log"; and an electric knot Get the best deals on Walker Log In other Maritime Antiques when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. , a brass taffrail log with a spinner and line. No line. Expect minor evidence of use or imperfections, dings etc. , this brass log is designed for use on a taffrail, providing a decorative and functional addition to any maritime vessel. " This piece was used for determining the speed of a vessel in the days before electronic knot meters. The four-bladed rotator is towed astern and registers the distance traveled and speed on an integral dial. The spinner fins are about 6" max. Y. Details and design features suggest a manufacture date around 1925. Mainland UK shipping is free on this item and it dispatches within 2-3 working days. Brass spinner that was used for distance & speed by old sailors $500 obo Jul 19, 2025 · Discover the timeless navigation tool from John Bliss & Co. Expertly crafted, this piece hails from the United States, reflecting the quality and heritage of its maker. ELLIS ELLICOTT, JR. Patent Office when John Edward Massey, its British inventor, applied for a patent in 1877. The John Bliss & Co. June . Developed by Thomas Ferindand Walker for use by larger sailing vessels. Bliss Taffrail log manufactured by John Bliss & Company at the turn of the century. With a board attached to one end to create drag, the log-line would be heaved overboard Log, Taffrail One taffrail log made by Thomas Walker & Son, Ltd. Vintage ship’s speed and distance taffrail log spinners. were the first to make a mechanical log in which the spinner and register were separated. , New York. Made by the renowned maker John Bliss & Co. Spinner - T Walker & Son LTD Birmingham England - about 12 1/2" Long - Fin is about 1 3/4". Dial of Walker's Cherub Taffrail Log The counting spinner is approx 15" long. Walker & Son Ltd. The top of the porcelain. Nov 22, 2024 · Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Antique Bronze Ship's Taffrail Log Spinner at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! Condition: Good Vintage — Complete with Spinner, Line, & CharmStep back into the golden era of maritime navigation with this authentic Walker’s Sailor’s Log, a mechanical taffrail log set once relied upon by captains to measure distance traveled at sea — long before the days of GPS. the second brass spinner has a … Apr 19, 2024 · Antique Ship's Taffrail Log Spinner In naval architecture, a taffrail is the handrail around the open deck area toward the stern of a ship or boat. - Spinner made by The Lionel Corp. Cherub Rotators used (bullet shaped spinner) with four fins all marked with the anchor log Add a touch of vintage charm to your home with this stunning 1950's Ships Taffrail Log Spinner Nautical Lamp. Made by Cherub and marked with the model number TW Cherub263, it features a beautiful design and is constructed from high-quality metal. underneath, Made in England by Thomas Walker and Son Ltd. Walker's & Son. Does anyone recognize it and possible name a manufacturer? Or am I A pair of brass ship's "Cherub" log spinners, one with rope attachment, a nautical mile taffrail mounted counter by T. Improved Taffrail Log with integrated flywheel, made by T. Use Walker’s solidified oil. "; a rope tail and leader weight, finished with a brummel hook; six-spoke hand wheel with rope tail and brummel hook; gray-painted mounting socket with two attachment points and spring-loaded socket cover marked "Walker's Commodore Log"; and an electric knot Gobitreasures (21377) 100% positive Seller's other itemsSeller's other items Contact seller US $29. From around mid 1800’s ,A fine example with enamel face John bliss 1795-1857) is the founder of the company , he was a silversmith and clockmaker from Vermont Comes with its original wooden box which measures 19. Vintage/Antique Items: Please note that most vintage/antique items may have minor wear due to their age and Vintage ship’s speed and distance taffrail log spinners. the second brass spinner has a blade marked with an anchor and the letters “T”, “W” and Cherub. USA Marine Taffrail Log ( Type TL ) w Welcome to our selection of antique ships logs. Stamped by brothers Thomas Shufeldt Negus, Jr. John Bliss & Co. Description: This high-quality working example of a Taffrail Log was submitted to the U. C. The lamp features a beautiful multicoloured design and is made of high-quality metal material that ensures durability. (2) Lionel Taffrail Log Spinners. For Sale on 1stDibs - Vintage ship’s speed and distance taffrail log spinners. - All mounted for display on wood base (appears to be cedar) measuring approx. Includes instrument, bracket, wheel , weight, spinner and wooden box. Edward John Massey (jr) continued his father's business and This is a brass taffrail log manufactured by TSK in Yokohama Japan. This log started in the 1880s, had 400 sales in its first year, and a decade later was selling approximately 2,000 per annum. By the mid-17th century, sailors began using small paddle wheels or rotating spinners to measure speed and distance at sea. A taffrail log is a mechanical speed logging device, used like a car odometer. Manufactured in the early 1880's, serial number 304. (1) without cord - 3 lbs. Includes the mechanism and two rotators. Colcord was inspirational regarding the possible joy of ocean sailing, purchasing a taffrail log The taffrail is the aftermost railing around the stern of a ship, to which a log could be mounted with a clamping mechanism (thus resulting in the name taffrail log). Free Shipping!!! See my other items!!! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1950's Ships Taffrail Log Spinner Nautical Lamp, Fishing, Sea, Boat Table Lamp at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! Feb 13, 2024 · This Taffrail Log Spinner was owned by my late father, who was a chief engineer in the 1950s for various shipping companies. Box measures overall 9. Watch the auction as a guest Background The Taffrail Ship Log () is the way ships determined their speed. This is part of a device that trailed behind a ship on a rope. 99 Christian Collectibles Christian Sheet Music Vatican Stamps Vatican Coins & Paper Money Antiques Shop eBay for great deals on walker log. The log comes with a box and Two solid brass taffrail spinners with braided rope and coupling used to send data back to the shipboard log. $3 This American Ship Boat Taffrail Log with Spinner Samuel Thaxter is a rare find for any maritime enthusiast. The log comes with a box and Taffrail log. Add this unique maritime piece to your collection today! Thomas Walker & Son ship log with Cherub Rotators, brass Taffrail Log consisting of gauge, spinner and rope; image credit on full record. Made from solid brass this beautiful Aug 3, 2025 · John Bliss & Co. , NY) measures 15" x 6. In naval architecture, a taffrail is the handrail around the open deck area toward the stern of a ship or boat. So I put it into google , and I saw it described as something tied to the taffrail and This American Ship Boat Taffrail Log with Spinner Samuel Thaxter is a rare find for any maritime enthusiast. The inclusion of a spinner and line adds an extra element of operation and These devices are in a good antique shape with a great brass original finish. sg. Apr . The device is similar to a car's odometer (). & J. Product Size (Inch): 5. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! - Spinner made by The Lionel Corp. The Trident is a large version and predecessor of the Cherub log, disigned for high speeds of 18 knots and upwards. Width x 5 1/2" length. It had a spinner which drove dials through a clockwork mechanism indicating distance, and became known as a patent log. This Instrument Was Used To Calculate Speed And Distance When Used With The Spinner Dragging it Behind The Ship. Thomas Walker and his son, Thomas Ferdinand Walker [7] (1838-1921) developed the original log design into a number of improved versions. It is made to spin in the water and the number of rotations in a given time helped established the speed. (N. The Taffrail Log is a unique piece that would make a great addition to any collection. Vintage/Antique Items: Please note that most vintage/antique items may have minor wear due to their age and being loved, which we believe only adds to Shop eBay for great deals on Taffrail Log. enrz lzc vzgevx dpve udoyy ywrnlj cpozr hqh uqzm mqc