Model of an Eccentric Stopper for Sheets 1856

This is a model of an eccentric stopper for sheets, made of wood, by Rijkswerf Amsterdam. Considered outside its function, this object may feel like a puzzle, a game, or a toy. But this model represents part of the machinery of a ship. It offers us a look into the technological advancements of naval engineering and the culture of maritime innovation that defined Amsterdam. The Rijkswerf, or state shipyard, was at the heart of naval power. It's important to remember that maritime technology played a role in global trade and colonial expansion, impacting diverse cultures and societies. So, while this model is simple, let's think about the larger picture: how technology, trade, and power were connected in the past, and how they still shape our world today.