TitleMillstone from the shipwreck of L'Astrolabe Datec 1781-1785About this objectThis circular millstone formed the lower half of a shipboard mill used for grinding wheat into flour for bread. Captain De Langle fitted L’Astrolabe with a small windmill on the stern to turn the stones as the ship moved, reducing manual labour. Early illustrations of the vessel depict this windmill structure. The stone retains an iron peg once connected to the drive mechanism.Object No.93.2Physical descriptionLarge circular stone millstone with a central tapered aperture. The outer diameter measures approximately 640–650 mm; thickness 150–160 mm; weight around 80 kg. The centre hole tapers from about 180 mm to 100 mm. Surface shows heavy corrosion on exterior areas where iron components once sat; an iron peg remains visible on the outer face, indicating part of the former drive mechanism.DimensionsDia: 640 mm H: 160 mm Weight: 80 kgPlace madeFrance MaterialStoneIronSourceLa Perouse MuseumCredit lineDonated by Mr Reece Discombe Acquisition date1993On displayNoTypeMuseum objectsOrganisations (Detailed entries)La Perouse Museum (La Perouse, N.S.W.)ThemesEuropean arrivals
Millstone from the shipwreck of L'Astrolabe (c 1781-1785). Randwick City Council, accessed 21/01/2026, https://ourstory.randwick.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/12355
