Description:

Western Europe, probably England or Spain, ca. 19th century CE. An interesting example of a fid - a narrow conical tool used for separating and splicing ropes made of canvas or woven fibers - formed from the bill of a marlin. The top of the fid is wrapped with a bulbous leather handle that makes for easier gripping. The fid fits inside of a similarly shaped leather sheath that displays incised linear motifs across the exterior and a thin leather strap on top. The metal counterparts of fids - known as marlinspikes - were used primarily for separating wire rope strands and opening shackles, though these were developed long after the fid. Size (w/ sheath): 1.3" W x 14.4" H (3.3 cm x 36.6 cm); (marlin bill): 12.9" L (32.8 cm).

Provenance: ex-private Maui, Hawaii, USA collection

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#150538

  • Condition: One nearly invisible repair to marlin bill near lower tip. Minor nicks to marlin bill and bottom of sheath, with light softening to some incised details on sheath, and minor pitting to marlin bill. Nice patina throughout.

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November 12, 2020 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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