What critical mechanical function did the perpendicular stock serve in the Admiralty Pattern anchor?

Answer

It caused the anchor to cant correctly to bury the arms

The perpendicular stock was essential because if the anchor settled with the stock touching the bottom, the cable strain would cause the stock to pivot the anchor, forcing the arms downward to bury themselves effectively into the holding ground.

What critical mechanical function did the perpendicular stock serve in the Admiralty Pattern anchor?
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