Series I: Naval Architectural Blueprints, 1889-1917
Scope and Contents
This series contains 235 naval-architectural blueprints created by the firm of William Cramp and Sons for many vessel types, including passenger and freight steamships, oil tankers, Coast Guard cutters, and battleships. The earliest blueprint is from 1889; the bulk are from 1901 to 1917. Three additional blueprints are also part of this series, one by Gibbs Brothers, one by Pacific Boat Co., and the last by an unknown Scandinavian shipbuilder (1889).
Blueprints come in two types: Hulls and Proposals, labels given them by the firm. (There do not appear to be significant differences in the level of detail or style between the two types.) The number given to each item was also furnished by the firm, and sometimes a number will reoccur, but for a different item. Each blueprint is titled with a brief description of the vessel type.
The series also contains a Record of Proposed Vessels Index, which lists the blueprints by number and provides brief descriptions. The volume was apparently given to Seward by Axel Rossell and Horace H. Thayer.
Dates
- 1889-1917
Conditions Governing Access
Appointments to examine materials must be made in advance. Please e-mail library@sunymaritime.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Extent
4.8 Linear Feet (11 standard-sized document boxes and one half-sized document box)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement of Materials
The blueprints are arranged according to numbers assigned them by the William Cramp and Sons firm. They are not chronological, and the sequence is not complete; some numbers are missing or skipped, while others are repeated.
Each blueprint bears a label with a brief description of the vessel type and the company for which it was designed. The labels also assign one of two designations to the vessels, Hull or Proposal. (There are no apparent differences between the two in terms of style or content.)
Creator
- From the Collection: Seward, Herbert L. (Herbert Lee) (Collector, Person)
- From the Collection: William Cramp and Sons Ship and Engine Building Co. (Architect, Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Stephen B. Luce Library Repository