S/5281 Antique Treen 18th Century Black Walnut Sailor's Seam Rubber or Liner

An excellent 18th century signed sail maker's seam rubber or liner, having a decorated polygon top that is above a chamfered shaft, with canted shoulders above the tapered blade, signed W. Groves. These attractive items were made in various woods and sometimes whale bone or walrus ivory, and were used by sailors or sail makers for smoothing the seams in canvas, flattening the double line of waxed stitches into the canvas. The whole has a dark rich colour and excellent patination.

Black walnut (Juglans Nigra) is a native tree to North America and was an important wood commercially, used by cabinet makers for furniture and occasionally items of treen.

Sold 4½ in. (11.5 cm.) Wide
2 in. (5 cm.) Deep
English Circa 1780