*British, Royal Navy ½ Gill Copper Rum Measure – Engraved HMS Plymouth, Pusser’s Rum Mark*
An authentic Royal Navy copper rum measure, capacity ½ Gill (one-eighth pint), engraved “½ GILL H.M.S PLYMOUTH” and stamped to the base with the official “Pusser’s Rum” fouled anchor mark within an oval cartouche. The measure is of traditional naval pattern, constructed in solid copper with a tinned interior and loop handle soldered to the body — a classic form used by the Purser’s department (“the Pusser”) aboard Royal Navy vessels for the daily issue of rum tots.
The piece displays a rich natural patina with traces of service wear consistent with shipboard use, its engraved ship’s name lending strong naval character and association.
Height: 5 cm. Top Diameter: 5 cm. Base Diameter: 3.9 cm. Width (including handle): 8 cm. Capacity: ½ Gill (approx. 70 ml / 1⁄8 pint)
Historical Note: The Royal Navy rum ration — the famous “tot” — was first introduced in 1731, becoming one of the most enduring traditions of naval life for over two centuries. Issued daily under the supervision of the ship’s purser (the “Pusser”), the rum was carefully measured into copper or brass vessels of standard capacity. Every ship in the fleet carried a complete set of officially calibrated measures, ranging from ½ Gill to one full pint, each inspected and stamped to ensure accuracy, fairness, and discipline in the daily ritual.
In 1850, the Admiralty formally standardised the half-gill (one-eighth pint) ration by official order — a decisive reduction from the more generous issues of the previous century. This measure remained the fixed daily allowance until the custom was finally abolished on 31 July 1970, remembered throughout the service as “Black Tot Day.”
The base of this example bears the Pusser’s Rum stamp, the hallmark of Admiralty-supplied spirit measures. The inscription H.M.S PLYMOUTH could refer to one of several Royal Navy ships to bear that proud name — vessels serving from the age of sail through to the Cold War era — making this a fine emblem of the enduring naval tradition of the rum tot.
*Condition* Good original condition with a pleasing aged copper patina, minor service marks, and traces of tinning to the interior. All engravings and Pusser’s stamp remain clear and well-defined. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
