RARE – 18th century hand-forged Hot Tar Ship Ladle, from a Revolutionary War British Ship, as in museum

Being offered is a British Revolutionary War shipwright’s tar ladle. It is hand-forged and overall measures 24”, with the pointed bowl being 8 ½” x 4 ¼”. Originally, it was in a private museum in Upstate New York.

In the 18th century, ship decks were primarily repaired by the ship's dedicated carpenter and their crew, using on-board spare materials and specialized techniques depending on the damage location and severity. Major repairs would usually go to a port or a sheltered beach.

Ships constantly flexed at sea, which could dislodge the caulking (a blend of tar and raw flax fiber, or oakum) from the seams between deck planks. Sailors would clean out the old caulking and hammer new caulk into the gaps and covered by hot tar.  using ladles such as this one. The long handle allowed the sailor to stand while pouring the tar. There is an example of one in the Royal Museum, England (see pictures).

I have no more information on this tar ladle, other than what I mentioned. The bowl is connected to the handle with three hammered iron pins, and amazingly it is still tight. During the war there were many British ships on the waters of upstate New York. This is a rare piece and worthy of any museum.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find, and I am fortunate to have quite a few pieces in stock. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.