Model of a pile-driver driven by a paddle wheel, 1754
In Lyons in 1754, this model was given to Demainbray by the Marquis de Grollier, who had inherited an unusual collection of clocks, machines and object d'art. The machines were built in the second half of the 17th century by Baron Nicolas Grollier de Serviere. The Baron had a pile-driver constructed on his estate which was operated by a water wheel held between two boats, although in the model it is attached at one side of a floating structure. It is a very simple device which probably delivered little power.
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