Royal Navy Rum Flagon - Pair 5SRD 2 x 450cl

A pair of Royal Navy Rum flagons, still in their original wooden crate. The wax seals are embossed with '5SRD'.

The front panel has the following markings:

S/2

Inspected 2/61 FFI

FSO 73778 Antwerp

Lock-Up Storage

The left panel has the following markings:

R.A.S.C Sups (Royal Army Service Corps Supplies)

The right panel has the following markings:

4236

R.A.S.C Sups (Royal Army Service Corps Supplies)

The back panel has the following markings:

S/2

Rum has been associated with the Royal Navy since the British fleet captured the island of Jamaica in 1655. The availability of rum led the Navy to swap the daily ration of French brandy with Caribbean rum, which was issued to each sailor at midday. In the 1740s, Admiral Edward Vernon began the practice of diluting the rum with water to minimize the effect of alcohol on the crew, this mixture became known as ‘grog’.

The daily rum ration, or ‘tot’, was served until 31 July 1970, a day now known as ‘Black Tot Day’. In modern times, a tot of rum is issued to naval crew to celebrate special occasions, such as royal weddings.

This Royal Navy Rum Flagon - Pair sold at our online auction for £3,000