U.S. Army 1841 Tests "Metallic Life Protectors"

UNITED STATES ARMY. Manuscript Document, 1p, 8" x 13", Fort Wood, November 22, 1841, a handwritten "Copy" of statements by Joseph Eaton, as U.S. Army Surgeon, and William Burnett, as U.S. Army Chaplain, regarding the testing of Ralph Buckley's "New York Patent Metallic Life Protectors". Docketing at verso. Document is completely split at center horizontal fold, appears to be easily reparable. Tear and split at right edge, very minor toning, evidence of previous repair at verso. Text is dark and legible.

Dr. Joseph Eaton's recommendation for the life protectors, in part, "At the request of Mr. Ralph Buckley I caused his "New York Patent Metallic Life Protectors" to be repeatedly tested at this post [Fort Wood, Bedloe's Island, which is now Liberty Island]. The men to whom the Life Protectors were attached went off into deep water at a distance from the shore, & when at rest, as well as when swimming were completely buoyed and sustained on the surface of the water, and could not sink. I consider these instruments a complete protection."

Chaplain Burnett's certificated reads, in part, "This may certify, that happening to be present at the time experiments were made with Mr. Ralph Buckley...I became satisfied that the invention for the preservation of human life in cases of fire or other casualties in steam...is highly important..."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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