Marlin spike, whalebone; Unknown maker; 1800-1900; RI.W2002.1467
Marlin spike, whalebone
About this object
This Marlinspike is made from whalebone and is a rope work tool. It would have been used on a sailing ship for tasks such as splicing rope as well as tying and untying knots/hitches. The tool is also known as a Fid.
We don't know who made this Marlinspike or the ships it was used on. The remnant of a label remains with partially legible wording: 'Marlin Spike off the Schooner ? Parsons(?), Capt W?' Further research is required to rejoin these connections.
Maker
Date Made1800-1900
Period1800s
Place Made Medium and Materialsorganic, animal, bone, mammal bone, whale bone
Inscription and Marks
The accession number has been W2002.1467 marked on the top rounded end.
The remnant of a label remains on the top rounded end. Only part of the wording remains legible: 'Marlin Spike off the Schooner ? Parsons(?), Capt W?'
h 230 mm x d 123 mm (top end) x d 15 mm (bottom end).
RI.W2002.1467
Copyright Licence