Model of a Piledriver, English, Late 18th Century

This model is based a device used to drive piles in the Thames for the new Westminster bridge (1738-50). The ram is raised by the capstan which in the original was turned by three horses, and automatically released when it reaches the top. Next, the follower moves down slowly, its descent being controlled by a counterweight. At the bottom, tongs grip the ram, and with the continued rotation of the capstan, ram and follower were again raised to the top for the whole cycle to be repeated. This model was very popular in 18th-century courses in natural philosophy.