Decoding Maritime History: Forensic Investigation of an 18th Century British Cannon from the Sea
Title: Conservation Studies of 18th Century British Cast Iron Cannon
Authors: Uğur GENÇ, Selen Ezgi ÇELİK, Hanifi SARAÇ
Affiliations: Directorate of Central Laboratory for Restoration and Conservation, Yıldız Technical University
Event: Science and Engineering in Arts, Heritage and Archaeology (SEAHA)
Year: 2015
Authors: Uğur GENÇ, Selen Ezgi ÇELİK, Hanifi SARAÇ
Affiliations: Directorate of Central Laboratory for Restoration and Conservation, Yıldız Technical University
Event: Science and Engineering in Arts, Heritage and Archaeology (SEAHA)
Year: 2015
From the Depths of the Marmara to the Laboratory Bench
Each shipwreck and every recovered artifact tells a story, and this 2-meter-long cast iron cannon found in the Marmara Sea in 2014 is no exception. Produced by the Walker Company under the Armstrong patent, this artillery piece is a material witness to the Anglo-Turkish War (1807-1809)—a turbulent period involving King George III and Sultan Selim III.
The forensic challenge was twofold: to stabilize a heavily corroded underwater find and to uncover hidden monograms that could confirm its identity. By integrating Portable XRF for elemental mapping and Raman Spectroscopy to identify the aggressive corrosion mineral akaganeite, we established a scientific roadmap for its preservation. This project highlights the critical transition from mechanical cleaning to chemical desalination and electrolysis, ensuring that this ‘iron veteran’ remains a permanent part of our maritime legacy.
Key Highlights & Impact
Identification through Metallurgy: Confirming the British origin and patent (Armstrong) through structural and elemental analysis.
Detecting the ‘Silent Threat’: Utilizing Raman Spectroscopy to identify akaganeite, the primary driver of post-excavation chloride-induced corrosion in marine iron.
Surgical Cleaning: Using mechanical methods to reveal hidden historical symbols and monograms essential for museum cataloging.
Long-Term Stabilization: Designing a comprehensive treatment plan including desalination, electrolytic cleaning, and protective coating with tannic acid and thermoplastic resins.
Refining the Collaborative Legacy – Academic Credit & Institutional Synergy
This project stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of heritage science. Initiated by the research inquiry of the experts from the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, I was honored to lead this investigation both as a practitioner and as the scientific coordinator. I must emphasize that the analytical backbone of this research was provided by Dr. Gülsu Şimşek, whose elemental data was fundamental to our findings. While the formal publication reflects a specific timeline, the success of this investigation is a result of this collective expertise.
Citation
Genç, U., Çelik, S. E., & Saraç, H. (2015). “Conservation Studies of 18th Century British Cast Iron Cannon” (Poster Presentation). 1st International Conference on Science and Engineering in Arts, Heritage and Archaeology (SEAHA), July 14-15, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
