The following group of lots were collected by a retired Royal Navy Victualling Officer whose duties included overseeing the daily rum ration. To achieve this a complicated system of dilution was required to give the correct strength to the correct rank. From its introduction in 1655 until the 31st July 1970 (known in the RN as 'Black Tot Day') sailors were issued a daily tot of rum. The measure and strength changed a number of times over the years but in 1850 was finally settled at a ½ gill (⅛th of a pint or approximately 70 millilitres) per man per day. Senior Rates (Petty Officers, Chief Petty Officers and Fleet Chiefs/Warrant Officers) were allowed their ½ gill ration neat. Junior ratings (Leading Hands and below) were required to mix their ½ gill with 1 gill of water to make 1½ gills of Grog - popularly known as '2 & 1'. Officers were not entitled to a rum issue but had their own bar in the Wardroom. The RN Branch responsible for storing, accounting for and issuing the ship's and shore establishment's rum was the Victualling Department. Lipped copper measures were used for measuring neat spirit, round copper measures measuring water and grog. Other equipment included pumps, funnels, corkscrews, Bakelite measures, wicker clad stoneware jars, rum tubs, barrels and barricoes ("breakers") - lockable carrying vessels for transporting neat rum from the Spirit Room to the point of issue, ready for mixing with water to make the grog.

A ROYAL NAVY GROG TUB

coopered in oak, of typical tapering form with polished brass banding and lettering inscribed THE QUEEN GOD BLESS HER, the lid with brass acorn finial handle -- 17in. (43cm.) high

Provenance: private collection, UK.

Condition Report

barrel has been professionally refurbished by a cooper

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.