Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. A minesweeper is a small warship designed to remove or detonate naval mines. Using various mechanisms intended to counter the threat posed by naval mines, minesweepers keep waterways clear for safe shipping.

This is a very intriguing Patent model from the WWI era, designed as a new model of Mine Sweeper Ship Protector. The model is on a small wooden base which has a label to the side reading:

MINE SWEEPER AND SHIP PROTECTOR
(details below)

And a larger label on the bottom of the base which reads:

This device gives protection from anchored and floating mines to any equipped vessel and will safely destroy any such mine in its course. A cable is supported on the level with the keel and is kept taunt by the drag of the floats in the vessel’s wake. The floats are steered wide apart by diagonal rudders. Any anchored mine is deflected by the ascending cable which will destroy it by engaging its triggers at a safe distance from the ship. Floating mines are deflected by the draft line cables and are safely detonated by contact with the floats. While in safe waters, both sets of gear may be raised and either may be used independently or both may be used together, as conditions require. To operate the model: For floating mines, lower the upper gear, then swing and lock the brass float supports. For anchored mines, raise the upper gear, then lower and lock the lower gear, swing and lock the float supports, which are for demonstration only. Delaware, Ohio. W.C. Carter.

The model does not appear to be in complete condition as the smaller set of cables is attached to a piece which has broken off from the front of the boat. However the set still functions partially and it can be seen how when the rudders move they raise cables that would keep mines away from the ship itself. The entire set measures roughly 8 ¾ x 11 ½ x 5 ½” when the rudders are extended outward. There are two small mine models at the end that are meant to show how the wires would deflect them. The boat moves along the track in the base and can be moved backwards and forwards.

We couldn’t find record of this patent, but the model is absolutely of the period with still intact cables and great display potential!

Ready for display.