ROYAL NAVY RUM TUB (“GROG BARREL”) INSCRIBED “THE QUEEN GOD BLESS HER,” WITH MEASURING CUP

British, probably late 19th– to mid 20th century (1890-1850). A substantial naval rum tub of coopered oak staves bound by copper hoops, the sides applied with large screwed metal letters reading “THE QUEEN / GOD BLESS HER.” The flat circular lid with a sheet-copper six-point star boss and turned finial; together with a heavy copper tot-measure with strap handle. Approx. 13 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 20 1/8 in. 

Rum tubs of this type stood on deck at the daily issue of the rum ration, the celebrated “tot,” with the traditional Loyal Toast “The Queen/King—God bless her/him” fixed to the front. The present inscription points to manufacture for service during a queen’s reign, almost certainly Queen Victoria (1837–1901), though such tubs often remained in shipboard use well into the 20th century. Comparable coopered tubs, with copper binding and applied letters, are classic Royal Navy forms; the accompanying cup represents the measuring vessel used by the ship’s “rum bosun.” The Navy’s daily rum ration was finally abolished on 31 July 1970 (“Black Tot Day”).

Authentic Royal Navy rum tubs are increasingly scarce. With its original lid and measure, this is a strong, decorative survival of one of the Navy’s most enduring rituals.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.