Presented is an antique American, made pulling boat's steering device called a "tiller head". The tiller head mounted on the top of the rudder's rudder post or rudder head. It allowed the boat's helmsman, then called coxswain, to sit way aft while looking forward. He steered the boat by pulling on the tiller lines. It was a space saving device since steering by a tiller required that the coxswain sit further forward and move the tiller from side to side to make a turn. This required that there was a clear area on both sides behind him.

 

Tiller heads are very rare and I can recall only seeing four or five of them outside museums in the past sixty years of seafaring. The picture is of the type of ship's boat to which it would be fitted at the rudder head.

 

The wood cross brace appears to be Oak, and the three strand hemp lines are covered in light canvas. Even the lines that are used to make the knobby looking Monkey's Fist are covered.  The ends of the tiller lines are tapered using cable turns and their ends are finished with Turk's heads.  Its age is apparent by the worn spots through the canvas, and the years of grime.

 

CONDITION: Except as noted above, it is all complete and in working condition. All you need is a boat with rudder to fit it to, or use it as a display.

DIMENSIONS:                                       WEIGHT 3 Lbs 6 oz

Cross Arm  17 1/2" L x 1/2"                  Tiller lines   41" L x 5/8" D                     

This is a great relic for anyone interested in our maritime heritage. 

Monkey Fist Stopper

Tapered Tail with Turk's Head

ALSO AVAILABLE is a Royal Navy admiral's barge rudder head. See http://landandseacollection.com/id293.html

GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION: You must be fully satisfied with your purchase on arrival and that our description is entirely accurate or your money back. The only conditions are that an email authorization be obtained within three days, and that the instrument is returned in its original condition and packaging, and insured for its full value. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless we are at fault.

INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS WELCOME, but inquire first. There are extra costs. We have customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

 

STANDARD FLAT RATE SHIPPING  to 48 contiguous States $17.00 

Rarely do you find a piece of historic gear in such great condition. A superior addition to any nautical collection.  

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