Finch & Co

Medium / Material

Whale Bone

Description

A Fine Sailors Whalebone Fid, English or American
Old smooth patina
Circa 1850 – 60

Size: 33cm long – 13 ins long

Provenance

THIS ITEM IS SOLD

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SIMILAR WHALEBONE SAILORS FID'S

Literature

Fids were handcrafted utilitarian objects on board ship for inserting thimbles into prepared rope, reaming out grommets, splicing rope, working knots and for opening holes in a canvas sail, because sail makers preferred spreading the threads of the canvas rather than cutting a hole in it. The point of the fid, which could not be too sharp or it would snag the yarns, had to be protected as if it became damaged a ragged point could ruin a sail by catching or tearing it. Thus a smooth surface was most important.

Current Condition

THIS ITEMS IS NOW SOLD

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SIMILAR SAILORS WHALEBONE FID'S FOR STOCK

Status

Sold