S/5803 Antique Treen 18th Century Lignum Vitae Sailor's Seam Rubber or Liner

An excellent lignum vitae 18th century initialled sail maker's seam rubber or liner, having a hexagonal and chamfered top initialled R above the shaped centre section, which has four central panels each having a twin set of carved initials, F.E., R.Y., P.J. and E.F. 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.

Sold 1 in. (2.5 cm.) Wide
4¾ in. (12 cm.) Deep
English Circa 1770