*British, Royal Navy ½ Gill Copper Rum Measure – Engraved “H.M.S. Rothesay”, Pusser’s Rum Mark*
An authentic Royal Navy copper rum measure, capacity ½ Gill (one-eighth pint), engraved “½ GILL H.M.S. ROTHESAY” and stamped to the base with the official “Pusser’s Rum” fouled anchor mark within an oval cartouche, accompanied by the registered ® symbol. 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: 4 cm. Width (including handle): 8 cm. Capacity: ½ Gill (approx. 70 ml / ⅛ 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.”
Two Royal Navy vessels bore the name HMS Rothesay. The first, HMS Rothesay (J19), was a Bangor-class minesweeper launched in 1941 and broken up in 1950 after distinguished wartime service. The name was later revived for HMS Rothesay (F107), the lead ship of the Rothesay-class anti-submarine frigates, launched in 1957 and commissioned in 1960. She served extensively with the Royal Navy’s Western Fleet during the Cold War and was later converted to carry the Ikara anti-submarine missile system, finally being scrapped in 1988.
Ship-engraved rum measures were issued in small numbers for each vessel’s Purser’s stores and remain prized relics of the Navy’s long-standing rum tradition, which ended with “Black Tot Day” in 1970.
*Condition* Good original condition with age-related wear and a warm, even patina. The engraved ship’s name remains clearly legible; interior tinning is worn but intact. Minor marks and light surface oxidation consistent with genuine naval use. Please see photographs apart of the condition report. A fine and evocative example of Royal Navy tradition.
