Hmm… So, $970 to fire a 14-inch shell? Back in the olden days, that would have grabbed attention, if not shocked people; it was an about year’s wages for an average working man or woman, down at the mine or mill.
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In 1915, the value of gold was $20/oz…. And today, gold is around $1,940; or 97x change. So that $970 cost then translates into a current number of about $94,000, roughly. The price of a high end, luxury car. Or a big fraction of the price of a new house. Or way more than the US average household income of about $75,000 per year.
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We don’t manufacture 14-inch shells anymore, obviously. But I’ve heard that new-production 155mm are costing out at about $4,000 each, all-in.
Thanks, Sal. If we don’t know where we came from, we have no idea of where we can go. With the exception of my father (AMM2, WW2), all of my ancestors were U.S. Army or state militia, but I can appreciate the difficulties of our 1915 Navy. I strongly recommend “Delilah” by Marcus Goodrich.
dad was a Bosun's mate on a CVE, so I enjoyed the rope work best. After WW2, he was involved in the Sea Scouts, and later with my Boy Scout troop, so I remember his skills fondly...
I think the Navy sent film crews along with the Great White Fleet. Since that was in the era of nitro cellulose I am sure those films are long gone.
Hmm… So, $970 to fire a 14-inch shell? Back in the olden days, that would have grabbed attention, if not shocked people; it was an about year’s wages for an average working man or woman, down at the mine or mill.
.
In 1915, the value of gold was $20/oz…. And today, gold is around $1,940; or 97x change. So that $970 cost then translates into a current number of about $94,000, roughly. The price of a high end, luxury car. Or a big fraction of the price of a new house. Or way more than the US average household income of about $75,000 per year.
.
We don’t manufacture 14-inch shells anymore, obviously. But I’ve heard that new-production 155mm are costing out at about $4,000 each, all-in.
.
Everything has its own sort of sticker shock.
Thanks, Sal. If we don’t know where we came from, we have no idea of where we can go. With the exception of my father (AMM2, WW2), all of my ancestors were U.S. Army or state militia, but I can appreciate the difficulties of our 1915 Navy. I strongly recommend “Delilah” by Marcus Goodrich.
Those boys would have been amazed only 30 years later to watch refueling and replenishment while under away, and coaling had gone away.
dad was a Bosun's mate on a CVE, so I enjoyed the rope work best. After WW2, he was involved in the Sea Scouts, and later with my Boy Scout troop, so I remember his skills fondly...
I’m sure this footage would make todays health and safety inspectors choke.
One can't help but be struck by the physical fitness of the Sailors and Marines of 108 years ago. They put too many of our current recruits to shame.