Fid of a whaleman - UK, early 19th century

Whalebone fid from ca 1800-1850. Excellent condition and pleasant to hold. Size: 27cm. The fid is made from the jaw bone of a whale - the only part of the whale's skeleton thick enough to make one from. Fids were used as a tool by sailors to hold open rope knots or canvas. This fid has traces of tiny blood vessels, which characterise the bone and which are more numerous near the surface of the bone. The point has been preserved, but the fid has been well used as wear can be seen and felt. Gorgeous patination. You have to hold it in your hands. Fids were working tools among the scrimshaw objects made by whalemen to pass the time in the periods of inactivity between whale strikes.
Provenance: Galerie Delalande (Paris)
Exhibited: Tefaf 2024 (booth 230)

Reference: The Australian National Maritime Museum (MU SEA UM):
Object Number 00029087
URL: https://collections.sea.museum/en/objects/19250/whalebone-fid