So in real life the anchor can be dropped, then held on the anchor windlass gypsy brake band to see if the anchor is firmly embedded, then the brake released & under hydraulic of DC/MG sets with the anchor chain is inched as necessary to have the chain stopper engaged in the next interleaving chain link & locked, then the brake band retightened
The windlass power shut down with the vessel is resting on the anchor + chain as locked in by the chain stopper
The brake bands are left in the tightened position......this serves two purposed, firstly to maintain tension by friction but also to minimise corrosion to the brake [usually ductile cast iron] drum
The design strength of chain stoppers is not 'generally' intended for holding the vessel in extreme weather, where the vessel would hopefully move our from such sea conditions
[Many years ago, I inspected the failed chain stoppers from a [light ship] 100,000 tonner when she was caught in a cyclone off Pt Headland .....the stopper structure ripped from their mountings in the instant when the hydraulic brakes were released for the anchor windlass, in the attempt to disengage the stoppers]
So the excellent looking brass fabricated stoppers for the Maltby perform and do exact same function [but smaller size & smaller scale]
Derek