S/4714 Antique Treen Early 19th Century Lignum Vitae Sailor's Fid

A small lignum vitae sailor's fid in heart and sap wood, having ring turned decoration to the head. These fids were used for splicing ropes. They 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 in Sussex. The whole has a good colour and patination.

Sold 9¼ in. (23.5 cm.) Wide
1¼ in. (3 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1820