Arguably one of the most critical pieces of equipment on a ship, the pumps on the Belle were of a simple plunger variety carved out of elm, a straight-growing, durable wood that carpenters of the day often chose for pumps. A lead strainer affixed to the bottom of the pump prevented debris from clogging the tube.
The wooden pump with the lead
strainer still attached. Notice the cross-like groove in the strainer's base,
which better enabled it to "suck" without clogging.
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Photo: courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission.