Pulley
Description
SCW588 is a large triple sheaved block, it has three sheaves side by side of equal size and like that of the Vasa large double block it was found in close proximity to a double sheaved block of a similar style SCW51. The similarity between these two blocks and the two blocks found of the Vasa suggest a similar purpose. The Vasa blocks were interpreted as part of the winding tackle of the ship or alternatively “heavy lifting gear lost during the 1628-1629 salvage attempts” (Howe, 2011, p. 299). The presence of a becket groove on SCW51 backs up this view as the rope would have been becketed from the two sheave block and up the three sheave block to create a double luff tackle giving a 5 to 1 mechanical advantage.
