Crab with contrate gear, in iron frame. This one is from the warehouses of the East India Company at Cutler Street, near St Katharines Dock, London, and was made c.1820. It was used to winch up loads from ground level to the different floors of the warehouse.

A crab is a small winch for lifting heavy loads. This one is from the warehouses of the East India Company at Cutler Street, near St Katharine’s Dock, London. It was used to winch up loads from ground level to the different floors of the warehouse. This acquisition is a transfer from the collections of the Museum of London.