Original Item: Only One Available. Probably dating to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, this Keg stands a good 12″ tall with its knobbed lid cover in place. Reinforced with THREE iron bands it measures 10″ across the bottom, on which is branded a “BROAD ARROW” over B.O., for the Board of Ordnance. The keg tapers toward the top with a rim which when uncovered is almost 8″ across.
Between the upper two bands the keg is carved HARDTACK, definitely a word that is reviled throughout the naval world. Hardtack were “Sea Biscuits” that were double baked to give them a long shelf life. In fact they were a home for many insects including weevils and other nasty insects. Issued to Seamen in the 18th Century Navies these became a real issue in the Naval Mutinies of the 1790s.
Solidly made and still in very fine condition. From an old Royal Navy Collection.