After Chile's immediate dispute with Argentina was resolved, President Aníbal Pinto sought to reduce costs by offering Cochrane for sale. Britain declined the proposed purchase, and an approach to Russia also failed. The War of the Pacific began in 1879 before Chile could dispose of the armoured ships, returning them to urgent service. The episode shows how a capability judged surplus after one crisis may become indispensable in the next, especially when a replacement cannot be acquired quickly.
Notable Point · 58:59-1:00:17
The ironclads Chile nearly sold before war
President Aníbal Pinto tried to sell Cochrane after an Argentine dispute eased, only for war with Peru and Bolivia to make both ships essential.