French coastal defense ship Taureau, first ironclad specially designed for ramming.
She was built in Toulon Naval Yard in France. Keel laid in Nov 1863; Launched in June 10, 1865; Completed in 1866. Displacement 2,433 tons; 196'10" x 48'6" x 17'9"; 1 military mast; steam engine with horizontal return connecting rod, 6 boilers, 2 screws, 1,790 ihp, speed 12.5 knots; Complement 135.
This coast defence ship was designed by the famed Dupuy de Lome, and it was the first armored vessel specially developed fort he purpose of ramming.
Taureau had a spur ram whose point was 8'3" below water, and a wooden hull was armored by 611 of iron.
She had the reputation of being a rather bad seaboat.
Stricken 1890.
Source: Watercraft Philately
Angola, 1996, 6,000 Kzr.