Spar-torpedo instructions for the United States Navy

A concise 1890 Navy manual, this guide walks the listener through the spar‑torpedo—one of the era’s first self‑propelled explosives. Written by the Bureau of Ordnance, it balances meticulous detail with clear explanations, covering everything from the construction of service and exercise torpedoes to the handling of circuit‑closers and firing keys. The language feels like a seasoned instructor’s briefing, offering insight into the materials, dimensions, and preservation steps that kept these fragile weapons seaworthy.

Listeners will hear a step‑by‑step walkthrough of assembling a torpedo outfit, fitting the brass and iron components, and testing the electric circuits that triggered the charge. Interwoven with descriptions of the accompanying plates and diagrams, the narrative reveals how naval crews prepared and practiced with these devices before heading into combat. It provides a rare glimpse into the practical challenges of late‑19th‑century naval warfare, making technical history both accessible and vivid.