Maritime History
Copper sheathing is a method for protecting the hull of a wooden vessel from attack by shipworm, barnacles and other marine growth through the use of copper plates affixed to the surface of the hull, below the waterline. It was pioneered and developed by the Royal Navy during the 18th century. In antiquity, ancient Vietnamese and later Chinese used copper plates while ancient Greeks used lead plates to protect the underwater hull.
Grand Egyptian Museum.
HMS Sidon (P259).
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