Near Sart in Salihli, Manisa, Turkey — West Asia or Southeast Europe

Iron Crane

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018

1. Iron Crane Marker

Inscription. The crane was brought to Sardis in 1911 by the Howard Crosby Butler Expedition and was used for lifting and moving fallen architectural blocks during excavation of the temple of Artemis, 1910-1914. The crane was operated by hand, had a lifting capacity of five tons (column capitals weigh about two tons), and was moved around the temple site on a narrow-gauge Decauville railroad track by means of a small locomotive.

The crane was made by the firm Dorman Long of Middlesbrough, England. Its cast- and wrought-iron parts, fastened together entirely with bolts and rivets, were assembled at Sardis (the small stamped numbers on the parts are guides for assemblage). The crane has two gears, a larger one (7) for heavier loads, and a smaller one (2) for lighter loads. The gears were changed by moving the shaft (13) from side to side. The weight of the block was balanced by a movable counterbalance (1) mounted on rails and filled with stones or workmen.

Key
1. counterweight box
2. low-range gear
3. small gear
4. shifting gear
5. top collar
6. fly wheel
7. high-range gear
8. shifting gear
9. central pivot
10. bottom collar
11. drum
12. pawl for locking high-range gear
13. horizontal shaft
14. manual handle

Erected by

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Turkey, and the Harvard Art Museums and Cornell University.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 38° 28.782′ N, 28° 1.819′ E. Marker is near Sart, Manisa, in Salihli. Marker can be reached from Kenan Evren Cd. just east of Sart Yolu, on the right when traveling east. This marker is on the grounds of the Sardis Archaeological Park, near the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sart, Manisa 45370, Turkey. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Altar of Artemis (a few steps from this marker); Temple of Artemis: History and Ground Plan (a few steps from this marker); Roman Avenue (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); Boya Dükkán / Paint Shop (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); Tuvaletler / Latrines (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); Lokantalar / Restaurants (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); Mesken / Residence (approx. 1.3 kilometers away); (Yakub'un) Boya Dükkáni / (Jacob's) Paint Shop (approx. 1.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sart.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018

2. Iron Crane Marker

A close up view of the locomotive that was used to pull the crane, that is displayed on this marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018

3. Iron Crane Marker

A close up view of the diagram of the iron crane and its individual working parts, that is displayed on this marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018

4. Iron Crane Marker

View of the marker and the nearby iron crane.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018

5. Iron Crane Marker

View of the featured marker with two additional markers in the nearby background.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018

6. Iron Crane Marker

View of the featured marker looking east along the walking path that goes to the ruins of the nearby Temple of Artemis.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2018, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 28, 2018, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.