Unidentified photographer
1863 (copied)
John Robertson, Scottish engineer, with the "Comet" engine

Silver salts on glass, Wet collodion process
12.7 x 10.2 cm
 
McCord Stewart Museum
Credit Purchase, funds graciously donated by Maclean's magazine, the Maxwell Cummings Family Foundation and Empire-Universal Films Ltd., Accession Number: I-8589.0
 
Robertson standing in front of the "Comet" engine. John Robertson (1782-1868) was commissioned in 1811 by the Hotelier Henry Bell to build a 13 m (43-ft) boat with a high-pressure steam-engine, designed to bring visitors from Glasgow to his Helensburgh hotel. Though lengthened and fitted with a larger cylinder for the service between Glasgow and Fort William, the "Comet" was underpowered for coastal work and was wrecked in 1820. After serious fire damage, the engine was restored by John Napier & Co in 1855. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)
 
LL/125025