Large Sailor's Fid
Large Sailor's Fid
83898
A large Lignum Vitae or Iron Wood Fid.
Fids were used by sailors to open the strands of a rope to splice two together and to open tough knots. A sailor would probably have a number in their tool kit in a variety of sizes. This example can be considered large, although still not the largest that were used.
There isn't any sap wood to the timber which often gives a striking colour contrast to lignum. It has three ring turns by its widest point. The wood does have some knocks and dents to the surface from its working life and there are some red marks here and there suggesting it may once been painted red.
Fids of his larger size are not easy to find. Mid to late 19th century.
This fid is the largest in the group photo, to the top of the image. The other fids are sold separately.
Dimensions:
Mid to late 19th century.
Lignum Vitae
England
Maritime antiques
Good, some knocks and dents etc.
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