Builders’ Model of a Patent Twin Screw Hopper Dredger by W. Simons of Renfrew c.1878-1888

A Builders’ Model of a Patent Twin Screw Hopper Dredger by W. Simons of Renfrew, c.1878-1888 This exceptional model demonstrates all of the features of the W. Simons & Co twin screw hopper dredger, along with their patented traversing bucket ladder. Of substantial size and quality, this highly detailed model incorporates its original wooden and glass case and has a plaque to the interior recording the details of the specifications of the new patent vessel and what it could achieve, as well as the name of the maker. With a mirror on the stand to show the underside of the vessel, which allows the viewer to fully realise the engineering features of the dredger. Our research in the archives has shown the first mention of a twin screw hopper dredger by the firm in 1878 Sussex Advertiser. With following articles in 1883 Glasgow Herald mentioning the traversing bucket ladder, specifically a vessel named the Platypus, built for the Queensland government by W. Simons. A further article in the Irvine Express, 25th of January 1884, refers to the testing of the Platypus, and additional reference is made to the specifications of the vessel which apparently filled with dredgings at the rate of 500 tons per hour. The Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette, 21st of March 1885, makes reference to another dredger by the firm, the Ville d’Eu, built for the French government that year, one of a duplicate pair. Clearly the Simons firm had created a design of importance and commercial significance and their patents were of lasting usefulness. Given the terms used in the various articles, it is likely that this model dates to c.1882 when the traversing bucket ladder appears to have been first introduced. A highly significant builders’ model of unusual interest and quality.