S/3041 Antique Treen 19th Century Lignum Vitae Sailor's Fid

A small lignum vitae sailor's fid in heart wood, used for splicing ropes. These came in various sizes, and on whaling ships they were often made of whalebone. In other vessels oak and teak were used, but mostly lignum vitae as in this instance. The largest one recorded is 52 inches long and is in the Worthing Museum, Sussex. The whole has a good rich colour and patination.

Sold 9½ in. (24 cm.) Wide
1½ in. (4 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1820