Philip Reid’s Block and Tackle

Origin
Philip Reid was an artisan who helped complete the casting of the Statue of Freedom sculpture atop the United States Capitol building in Washington D.C. Built in the summer of 1860, the build team hit a snag on payment and the head sculptor refused to finish the work. Fortunately, Reid was present and figured out that a block and tackle could be used to tell the different sections apart. The pieces were shipped over to the foundry and Reid again helped, receiving $1.25 in wages compared to the normal laborer’s dollar. What’s ironic was that the best paid worker was an African-American and born into slavery and helping construct a monument meant to symbolize freedom.

Effects
Disassembles large monuments for easier transportation and reconstruction. The rope will multiply into many strands when first attached to the monument. Each pull will create smaller pieces that fit together perfectly. When reformed, the pieces will bring together into one whole piece and all the seams will disappear. The main user will experience several bouts of irony, usually involving either their identity or work.