{"product_id":"wooden-block-2","title":"Early Nautical Double-Sheave Wooden Block","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c!--StartFragment --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA compact, well-worn \u003cstrong\u003edouble-sheave wooden block\u003c\/strong\u003e, measuring approximately \u003cstrong\u003e12 inches in length\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e6.25 inches in width\u003c\/strong\u003e—a classic example of early maritime rigging hardware, likely dating to the \u003cstrong\u003emid-19th century\u003c\/strong\u003e or earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hewn from solid hardwood—possibly elm, lignum vitae, or ash—with weathered grain, surface checking, and salt-worn patina suggestive of long service at sea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSheaves\u003c\/strong\u003e: Two recessed iron wheels with iron or bronze bushings, designed to channel rope smoothly with reduced friction under heavy load\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStraps\u003c\/strong\u003e: Fitted with iron central pin, showing hand-forged characteristics and rust oxidation from marine exposure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEarly Configuration\u003c\/strong\u003e: The sheaves are set within deep mortises, lacking the rounded cheek reinforcement seen in later blocks; minimal ironwork points to early fabrication techniques\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/strong\u003e: Smaller than cargo-handling blocks, likely used in sail rigging—such as on gaff, boom, or topping lift systems—on sloops, cutters, or coastal traders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFastening Point\u003c\/strong\u003e: May feature a curved iron strop or bail rather than a hook, enabling secure line attachment in tight rigging setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRepresentative of \u003cstrong\u003epre-industrial rigging solutions\u003c\/strong\u003e, before mass-produced block systems became standard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlocks of this nature were often custom fitted to vessels and formed part of a ship’s running gear inventory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!--EndFragment --\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Annapolis Maritime Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46858804658391,"sku":null,"price":431.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1501\/8628\/files\/104_3705_6da630a0-4f77-4da6-923d-dc47b6792c8a.jpg?v=1753204369","url":"https:\/\/annapolismaritimeantiques.com\/en-au\/products\/wooden-block-2","provider":"Annapolis Maritime Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}