An item reported that the torpedo boat XVII (1) would be fitted out with the patent steering device invented by Kunstadter at Glasgow for further testing.(2)
Notes
1. Spar torpedo boat XVII built of steel. Ordered on 20 December 1879, built using models in which the trusses were placed, plating fitted on 18 September 1880, launched on 29 July 1881 with engine and boiler already placed, trial while berthed on 30 July, technical trial on 20 and 28 October 1881, transferred on 31 December and finally stricken in 1905. Building time 2 years, costs completely fitted out ƒ 53.404,00. With a 2 cylinder compound steam machine (order no. 24) and 1 locomotive boiler (order no. 30) and one 3-propellor screw during the trial with 250/350 ihp a speed of 17,16 miles. Armed with 1-3,7cm gun and 1 spar torpedo device. Coal bunker capacity 5 cubic metres. Displacement 31 tons and as dimensions 24,63 (between perpendiculars) x 3,15 x 0,54 (fore loaded)-1,58 (aft loaded) and 2,17 (hold metres. Yard number 18. Her crew numbered 10 men. Source: Order administration shipyard De. Kon. Mij De Schelde, Flushing (Municipality Archive Flushing).
2. The British newspaper The London Gazette dated 3 December 1878 referred to the petition of the merchant Maximilian Stanislaus Hassfeld in London no. 4221 dated 22 October dealing wit the invention of Jacob Joachim Kunstädter, Budapest. The latter invented ‘improvements in or applicable to apparatus and fittings for effecting and facilitating the steering and propulsion of vessels, parts whereof are applicable to other purposes.’
