S/3474 Antique 18th Century Whale Bone Fid

A good well used 18th century whale bone fid, having a cord hole below the ring turned decoration. The top is carved with the initials T.S. Fids were used for splicing ropes and whale bone ones are associated with whaling ships. They came in various sizes, often made of lignum vitae, and the largest one recorded is 52 inches in length, probably used on the massive anchor cables of a large vessel.

Sold 12 in. (30.5 cm.) Wide
1½ in. (4 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1780