The 'missing band' tub discussed above is shown on the right hand side of the adjacent image. It is a taller variety.
The tub on the left hand side of the adjacent image is of a smaller variety, it is also from the missing band family and shares a lot of the features discussed above, it is however smaller and therefore of a different shape. I call this variety the 'small missing band tubs'.
Throughout this page, I have used images found on the internet over a number of years, mostly from ebay. Unfortunately I did not record the original owners of the image at the time and can therefore not get permission to use them. Should anyone recognise an image as their own, please advise, I will happily give credit for permission to use.
Considering 'Fleming's pointed' tubs, the brass letters that make up the wording of the Royal toast - THE QUEEN GOD BLESS HER - are 'cast'. They are distinctive in their own right for a number of reasons.
Firstly, all 'pointed tubs' will have the same set of letters, same size, same shape and same font, unless one has been damaged or replaced.
In contrast, the 'letters' of two different 'original' tubs will likely display some significant differences.
The 'Fleming's pointed' 'letters' are quite deep, front to back, standing proud of the tub, they are also quite narrow across their width, as shown in the image above left.
The most striking indicator of a set of 'Fleming's pointed' letters is the 'tail' of the letter 'Q', shown in the image above right.
Later in this page I will show what I believe to be 'original' tubs that have 'Fleming's pointed' tub bright work, that is, 'pointed tub' 'Stars & Acorns' and 'pointed tub' 'letters' - the letter 'Q' being easily distinguished on what I call the fourth type of reproduction tub - a 'hybrid reproduction' tub.
The origin of the 'hybrid reproduction' style of tub is uncertain.
Brass 'letters' of the Royal toast - 'THE QUEEN GOD BLESS HER'.
'Letters' 'Q' and 'U' from a 'Fleming's pointed' tub.
Base view of a Fleming'spointed' tub.
The base of the 'Fleming's pointed' tub is shown in the image right.
It does not have the red painted rim of an original tub, but at this stage, I do not consider that to be too great an indicator of authenticity.
The thickness of the staves can be seen from this particular view, at 1" thick and constructed from new oak timber, they give the tub good strength and rigidity.
I have seen the base of one 'pointed' tub that looked like it had 'Made in England' stamped into the bottom!
The base of the 'tall, missing band' tub above is shown right.
It does not have the red painted rim of an original tub, but at this stage, I do not consider that to be too great an indicator of authenticity.
It does however have a flash of red paintwork to the upper right corner, suggesting recycled timbers, which is a good indicator of a reproduction tub.
View to the inside of the 'tall, missing band' tub.
Probably the single most important areato observe when checking the authenticity of a grog tub is the condition of the inside.
The image left shows a view to the inside of the 'missing band' tub above.
Clearly the timbers of the base and staves are in near pristine condition, there aren't any signs of staining from the addition of caramel to the rum nor damage from stirring when mixing grog.
In my opinion, when trying to decide if any particular tub is original or not, each type of reproduction tub needs to be considered by all of it's family traits, and not in isolation, as some 'missing band' tubs do have discolouration to the inside, as will be shown later.
Rear view of 'tall, missing band' tub. Overlapped joint.
Number '11' stamped into the lid.
Not particularly distinct in the
image of the underside of the lid, above right, the image upper left is a closer view of the numerical markings at the centre of the lid.
In this particular case, the decimal number '11' has been stamped into the lid.
The image right shows the corresponding number '11' stamped into the upper edge of one of the staves of the tub.
The image lower left shows the Roman numerals XXIIII ( 24? ) from a different lid/tub. ( Presumably this should be XXIV ).
Structural support from an internal metallic band.
This style of reproduction tub does not
have the 'Acorn' of an 'original'
tub. The image left shows that the
handle is of a bulbous construction.
Later variants of the same tub design
do have a tall slim 'Acorn', with a thin
band around the girth. as shown in the
image below, left.
The common feature of both types is
the 'Star of David' 'Star' - without
fixing screws.
Early versions of the 'Flemings
early' design did not have a metallic
band screwed to the inside of the tub,
at a point near to the top of the staves.
The image far left, above, shows a later version of 'Flemings original' with a
metallic band fitted.
A metallic band being present is a good indicator of a reproduction tub, they
were added to give structural support, this feature carried through to the second
design of reproduction 'Grog Tub' from the same manufacturer.
Occasionally, a metallic band can be found on an original tub, installed after the
tub was taken out of service, as if not kept wet, the timbers begin to shrink
through drying out. ( In service, a tub would not have any kind of metallic band
fitted ).
The inside of the tubs tend to be pristine, without 'stirring damage' or
discolouration from the addition of caramel to the rum..
Slim 'Acorn' - 'Star of David'.
Bulbous handle - 'Star of David'.
An early reproduction Grog Tub.
The first style of reproduction Grog Tub discussed, - shown in the image left - is probably the oldest that I have discovered to date.
They were first produced as early as 1955, by A. Fleming Ltd, in their workshops at The Clock Tower, Castle Road, Southsea, 15 years before the cessation of the rum issue!
For that reason, I personally call them 'Flemings earlys'.
I have been fortunate enough to discuss this and later styles of reproduction tub with a descendant of the original manufacturer.
This style of reproduction Grog Tub was initially manufactured for an American company, Brooks Brothers of New York, most tubs being sent to the US, destined to become decorative nautical items in Brooks Brothers shops - ( several other nautical themed items were also produced ).
Demand grew, and the items, including tubs, began to be sold as men's gifts. Brooks Brothers UK outlets also sold tubs, but the majority were sold in the US.
The first point of interest is the fanciful shaped 'letters', in comparison, 'letters' of 'original' tubs are quite plain.
Most reproduction tubs were originally marketed as just that, reproduction souvenirs or mementoes.
Reproduction tubs were being made in the early 1950's through to the years after the cessation of the rum issue in 1970.
The styling and design being significantly different from a genuine tub, at the time, there was clearly no intention to market the items as originals, however, with the passage of time, and the original source of tubs becoming uncertain, some sellers make the assumption that a particular reproduction tub is an original.
Most antique houses and dealers of today have little knowledge of original rum ration equipment, that has after all, not seen service since 1970. It is therefore understandable that reproduction tubs may on occasion be considered to be originals, and sold as such in good faith.
Quite a few years ago, as a new collector, I myself unknowingly purchased a reproduction tub, believing it to be an
original, as I believe did the seller.
Gaining a greater knowledge through research, I discovered that the tub was in fact a reproduction!
'Tall, missing Band', reproduction Grog Tub.
The third type of reproduction Grog Tub again has a number of differing
variants, all with one common feature - a brass band missing between
the two lines of the Royal toast - THE QUEEN and GOD BLESS HER -
for that reason, I refer to this particular family of reproduction tubs as the
'missing band' tubs.
The image right shows a typical 'missing band' tub with the two textural
lines of the Royal toast grouped together, higher up the tub, in order to fit
the middle band below the second line of text.
I expect that many people who own such a tub may disagree with me in
identifying them as reproductions, those that do, I would ask to find a
photograph of a 'Queen' - 'missing band' tub, in use, prior to 31st July 1970.
Not long after I started collecting, I came across a story relating to the
manufacture of reproduction Grog Tubs. Supposedly, in the early 1970's,
someone purchased the stock of original tub 'letters', and 'acorns & stars'
from an MOD surplus sale/auction, ( presumably removed from Grog Tubs
that were not fit for sale via the purchase scheme offered to serving RN
members, at the end of the rum ration in 1970 ).
The story suggests that around sixty or so tubs were made, using the
original 'letters', 'acorn & stars'. Allegedly, these tubs are easily identified
by sequential Roman numerals, scribed into the underside of each lid.
At a much later time, I heard the same story, but with the addition of the source of the timbers - suggesting that old boat timbers had been used.
I purchased my first tub, safe in the knowledge that it did not have Roman numerals under the lid.
Only much later, through research, did I discover that there were a number of 'missing band' variants and the tub that I had purchased was a reproduction after all.
The missing band tub above right, is a variant that has normal 'decimal' numbers under the lid and on the upper edge of one of the staves, most of the images that follow are from this tub.
Two other types I am aware of are the Roman numeral variant, mentioned above, and a third variant that does not have any numerical identification markings at all.
The one feature all three have in common is the missing band, but most important of all in identifying a reproduction tub, the insides are near pristine, no caramel staining or damage from stirring the grog.
View to the inside of the 'small, missing band' tub.
Rear view of 'small, missing band' tub.
The inside of the 'small' missing band' tub is shown in the image right.
The most noticeable feature is the metallic band, tacked with escutcheon pins to the inside of the tub, being corroded, perhaps suggesting that this tub has been used whilst the band was in place.
As advised above, probably the single most important areato observe when checking the authenticity of a grog tub is the condition of the inside.
Although darker than the 'tall, missing band' tub above, the timbers of the tub right are not damaged. Damage from stirring when mixing grog. is not present.
In my opinion, when trying to decide if any particular tub is original or not, each type of reproduction tub needs to be considered by all of it's family traits, and not in isolation, as some 'missing band' tubs do have discolouration to the inside, as is the case with the tub right.
Overlapped joint to upper band.
The rear view of the 'small, missing band' tub above, is shown to the left.
Like the 'tall, missing band' tub discussed earlier, all three bands are in near pristine condition, few dents or scratches etc, ( as would be expected of a genuine tub ).
The image above shows a closer view of the overlapping joint of the upper band. The corner edges have quite a small trim at 45 degrees, the same as the 'tall, missing band' tub discussed above, this appears to be quite a common feature of 'missing band' tubs, but not so with original tubs, whose edges tend to be rounded or have significantly larger trimmed sections.
Edge detail of lid of 'small, missing band' tub above.
'Acorn' secured to 'Star'. Recess in lid.
Metallic supporting band inside tub.
The view to the rear of the tub is shown in the image left and the profile of the 'straight sided' acorn can be seen.
The three brass bands around the upright staves also have escutcheon pins driven through them, to help keep the bands in place.
A pin can also be seen in the image above, the image also shows the detail of the lid edge.
Rear view of tub showing band alignment.
Lid edge and upper band with escutcheon pin
Random positioning of the 'filled in holes', around the tub, suggests that they are not the holes left by the fixings of a previous 'letter' set - THE KING GOD BLESS HIM - as has been suggested elsewhere.
I believe that these marks do lend some credibility to the remark at the top of the 'missing band' section, where it is thought that many, but apparently not all, missing band tubs were constructed from old boat timbers.
Having viewed many original tubs in the past, I have not seen one with such random 'filled in' screw holes.
'Filled in' screw holes in the staves.
The image first right, shows the fixing of the 'Acorn' to the 'Star', in the same manner as shown on the 'original tubs' page.
The shaft of the 'Acorn' passes through the 'Star' and then through a washer underneath, the end then compressed to make a secure fit.
In order for the 'Star & Acorn' to sit flush to the lid, a recess is drilled into the lid, as shown second right, to accept the protrusion of the 'Acorn' shaft, captive inside the washer.
Star & Acorn on the lid of the 'tall,missing band' tub above.
Different edging from an alternate 'Missing Band' tub.
Number '11' on the top of a tub stave.
Semi circular groove to underside of lid to receive protruding rim of plastic liner.
The Ice Bucket grog tub has at least two varieties, as can be seen in the images of the Star and Acorns below. One has a star shaped like an 'original tub' star, as can be seen in the image below left. The second type has a 'Star of David' star, shown in the image right.
The five images above show the brass letters of the Royal toast, from the 'tall, missing band' tub - THE QUEEN GOD BLESS HER.
( The words 'GOD BLESS HER' all appear on the same line on the actual tub).
It is not possible to advise with certainty, but my experience leads me to believe that this particular set of letters are reproductions.
Not clear from the photographs, but the colour of the brass is not quite right, I would describe original letters, presumably made from brass to an Admiralty specification, as being shiny washed out pale yellow. The letters from this set have a slightly darker colour, towards red, perhaps too much copper in the alloy. From brightly polished, they also oxidise to a different colour than original letters would oxidise.
Apart from the colour, this set are also in a relatively undamaged condition and do not have the smoothness of a set that has been polished numerous times.
The letter 'Q' from Queen, shown right, also has a very distinctive tail, one I have never seen on an original tub.
This set of letters is cut from brass plate.
Lid showing Acorn & Star from above. Underside of lid showing Star & Acorn fixing bolt.
A 'Flemings pointed' reproduction Grog tub.
The second style of reproduction Grog Tub discussed - shown in the image right, were also produced by A. Fleming Ltd.
Most of the component parts were produced by third parties, the 'letters' for example, by Lawrence and Co of Dover. The tubs were assembled in the workshop at Fleming's premises is Castle Road.
My name for the second style is 'Fleming's pointed', as they are relatively tall and slim. They are very well constructed, the staves being one inch thick, and generally look more like an original tub, but with significant differences that are easy to spot.
Two variants of this type of tub were made, both 18" at the base, one 18" tall and the other 20" tall.
In 1970, this style of tub cost £22 and 10 shillings, by 1995, the purchase price had risen to £395.
Examining the photographic record suggests that this style of tub changed over a period of time, resulting in a number of varieties.
The image below left, shows the top view of the lid, and the centrally located Star & Acorn.
The mounting of the Star and Acorn is interesting, as the Star does not fix to the lid with screws, - one through each alternate arm of the Star, as with an original tub.
Across all varieties of this style of tub, the Star is held captive between the base of the Acorn and the top of the lid, by a bolt that passes through the lid from the underside, through the centre of the Star and screws into the base of the Acorn.
The head of the bolt can be seen in the centre of the image below right. Once tightened into the Acorn, the bolt holds the Star & Acorn assembly firmly to the lid.
Flemings 'pointed' style:
Base view of 'tall, missing band' tub.
'Acorn' secured to 'Star'. Recess in lid.
Both images right, show the 'Star & Acorn of the 'missing band' tub above.
The 'Star' is of the less pointed variety, as discussed on the 'original tubs' page.
During my research to date, I have not found a 'missing band' tub with the 'more pointed' variety of 'Star'.
A closer view of the 'Acorn' is shown far right, this particular one having a knurled band around it's girth.
It is not possible to say with any certainty if this particular 'Star & Acorn' is genuine or a reproduction.
Edge detail of lid of 'tall, missing band' tub above.
Top and bottom views of the lid of the 'tall, missing band' tub, above right.
'Letter' set of the Royal toast from the 'small' missing band tub.
The five images above show the brass letters of the Royal toast, from the 'small, missing band' tub - THE QUEEN GOD BLESS HER.
( The words 'GOD BLESS HER' all appear on the same line on the actual tub).
It is not possible to advise with certainty, but my experience leads me to believe that this particular set of letters are originals.
This set does show the damage of daily use and also the smoothness of a set that has been polished numerous times.
The letter 'Q' from Queen, shown upper right, also has a very distinctive tail, and is a good identification marker for this particular style of letters.
On all edges of each letter, there is a distinctive chamfer, too uniform to have been made by hand, the letters are also 'cast'.
This particular style of letters, being quite chunky, they are commonly seen on the larger size grog tubs, 30 gallon and above, hence they look a little crowded on the smaller 'missing band' tub.
The base view of the 'small, missing band' tub is shown in the image right
Base view of 'small, missing band' tub.
Both of the images above show Stars & Acorns from 'Fleming's pointed' reproduction tubs.
Both 'Stars' are of the 'Star of David' type - two overlaid equilateral triangles - ( See the 'Original Tubs' page for images of the design/shape of 'original' tub Stars ).
The absence of fixing screw for the 'Star & Acorn' assembly can clearly be seen in both images.
The image left shows a 'Star' that I identify as 'straight sided acorn', whereas the 'Star' in the image right, I identify as 'rounded acorn'. Considering the 'rounded' variety, in image right, above, both the 'nut' ( upper part ) and the 'cup' ( lower part ) of the 'Acorn' are rounded, in comparison to the 'straight sided' type.
A common feature of both is the 'pip' to the top of the 'Acorn', generally speaking, this would not be found on an 'original' tub 'Acorn'. ( Having only seen one photograph of a 'King' tub where a 'pip' is present ).
'Straight sided' Acorn with Star. 'Rounded' Acorn with Star.
The rear view of the 'tall, missing band' tub above is shown below left.
All three bands are in near pristine condition, few dents or scratches etc, ( as would be expected of a genuine tub ).
The image below right shows a closer view of one of the overlapping joints of a band. The corner edges have quite a small trim at 45 degrees, this appears to be quite a common feature of 'missing band' tubs, but not so with original tubs, whose edges tend to be rounded or have significantly larger trimmed sections.
Also visible in the rear vieware a number of small black dots, closer inspection, as image right, shows that these are holes that have been filled in, the stain from the filler leaching into the timber, making the repair more pronounced.
The image left, shows the finish to the outer rim of the lid shown above.
A small 45 degree chamfer has been cut all the way around the upper
circumference at 8mm width.
The image below right shows the lid from another 'missing band' tub, it has a
much wider chamfer and shows that there is considerable lid variety.
The image above left, shows the top view of the lid of the 'missing band' tub above, while the image right shows the underside.
The general construction is very similar to that of a genuine tub lid, with the exception of the two, ( almost horizontal in the photograph ), reinforcing braces to the underside of the lid, these tend to be quite narrower in comparison to the same components of a genuine lid.
The final noteworthy point regarding 'Hybrid Reproduction' tub No2 is it's letter set.
Discussed previously, both 'Hybrid Reproduction' tubs use the same set/style/font of 'letters' as the 'letters' that make up the 'Royal Toast' on a 'Fleming's pointed' style of reproduction grog tub.
The image above right, shows a 'Flemings pointed' reproduction grog tub - I am very grateful to Mr Mike Diver who kindly gave permission to use the image on my site.
The 'Flemings' tub was purchased in 1972, from their shop in Southsea, having had one careful owner since. It shows an unusual variety of letter 'E', compared to other Flemings tubs - the centre horizontal bar of the letter 'E' is longer than conventional Flemings tub 'E's.
Interestingly, the letter set of 'Hybrid Reproduction' tub No2 appears to match the Flemings letter set perfectly.
( As of February 2015, the Flemings tub, above right, is for sale at Mike Diver's website - www.maritimeartifacts.com - along with a fine set of Lipped Measures and a Rum Pump ).
The origin of the 'Hybrid Reproduction' style of tubs is not currently known.
'Letters' of an alternate 'Flemings pointed' tub.
'Letters' of 'Hybrid Reproduction' tub No2
The image left shows the rear view of 'Hybrid
Reproduction' tub No2.
The first point of interest is the bottom band/hoop
- the cut and shaped, overlapping joint, is facing
in the opposite direction to the other three joints.
As the tub tapers from bottom to top, it is unlikely
that this band/hoop was simply put back
incorrectly after coming loose. I am yet to see an
original tub where the band/hoop joints face in
differing directions.
As mentioned briefly above, the rear of the tub
also shows the screw holes of a previous 'letter'
set.
Between the second band/hoop and the
third band/hoop from the top, the screw holes can
be seen running parallel to the bands/hoops.
The three screw holes of the letter 'T', bridge the
second and third stave from the left, the four
screw holes of the letter 'H' are in the centre of
the third stave.
The four screw holes of the letter 'E' are in the
fourth stave, bordering the third stave, giving the
word 'THE'.
Just slightly left of centre of the fifth stave, -
almost centre of tub - the screw holes for the first
letter of the next word can be seen.
The positioning of these screw holes are the most interesting, as this determines if the previous 'letter' set was for a 'KING' or 'QUEEN' tub. If the next letter were a 'K' for 'KING', the hole positioning and spacing would look similar to the hole positioning of the previous letter - the 'E' of 'THE'.
As the screw holes are horizontally closer together, it looks likely the first letter of the second word is a 'Q', for 'QUEEN'. The second letter of the second word, bridging the fifth and sixth staves, appear to confirm this, as the bottom pair of screw holes are slightly higher, as would be the case with a letter 'U'.
Two types of Star on the Ice Bucket Grog Tubs.
Rear view of Hybrid reproduction tub No1.
Front view of Hybrid reproduction tub No1.
The image above shows a close view of the
joint in the metallic supporting band that runs
around the circumference of the inside of the
tub.
The joint is made with a single copper rivet.
The band can be fixed to the tub with
escutcheon pins or screws.
The image right shows the view to the inside
of the tub, the surface of the timbers are clean and there are not any marks left from the stirring of the grog during mixing, this probably being the best indicator of a reproduction tub.
The supporting metallic band can also be seen near to the top of the staves. The internal band would not generally be a feature of an 'original' tub, unless it was added when the tub was taken out of service.
Not all 'Fleming's pointed' tubs I have seen have an internal band fitted, it could be that they were removed by the owners.
View to the inside of the 'Fleming's pointed' reproduction grog tub.
The image left, shows an Ice Bucket, also manufactured by
A. Fleming - Southsea.
In the style of a miniature grog tub, Fleming's made them for
one of the 'Navy Rum' producers.
At 11" across the base and 12" tall, the ice bucket grog tub was
produced from 1981 until 1990.
I decided that the 'Reproduction Grog Tubs' section was the
best place to show the 'ice bucket grog tub', as I have seen
several of these items for sale, incorrectly described as miniature
grog tubs, usually with the plastic liner missing.
Both images right, show the 'Star & Acorn of the 'small, missing band' tub above.
The 'Star' is of the less pointed variety, as discussed on the 'original tubs' page.
A closer view of the 'Acorn' is shown far right, this particular one having a plain band around it's girth.
It is not possible to say with any certainty if this particular 'Star & Acorn' is genuine or a reproduction.
Both the Star and Acorn on this tub are however, considerably larger than the Star and Acorn from the 'tall, missing band' tub earlier in the page.
The acorn also shows considerable signs of damage through use perhaps?
Top and bottom views of the lid of the 'small, missing band tub' above. '6' or 'g' impressed into lid.
'Small, missing Band', reproduction Grog Tub.
Rear view of Hybrid reproduction tub No2.
* ( Can be plain mild steel or galvanised ) *
Front view of Hybrid reproduction tub No2. Lid and inner metallic band of Hybrid Reproduction tub No2
* ( Can be plain mild steel or galvanised ) *
'Letter 'Q' from the 'small, missing band tub.
Lid and inner metallic band of Hybrid reproduction tub No1.
'Letter' set of the Royal toast from the 'tall, missing band' tub.
The image left, shows a closer view of the 'small, missing band' tub.
As the height of the tub is less than the 'tall, missing band' variety, the staves lean in, off of the vertical, at a greater angle.
This tub has quite a large 'Star', looking a little oversized for the lid.
Apart from the shaping of the lid edge, shown later, the lid is similar to the lid of the missing band tub above, I do not think that this lid is however, the original lid for the tub shown left.
The image shown far right, below, is a close view of the detail to the centre of the underside of the lid. The lid has been impressed with what looks like a number '6' - this could of course be a lower case letter 'g'.
The inner upper rim of the tub has two notched sections cut out, one is shown in the image above left. The notches receive the two protrusions from the original handle assembly of the plastic liner. One liner protrusion is shown in the image above right.
The underside of the lid has a semi circular groove cut around its circumference, as shown in the image below left. This enables the lid to sit flush with the top of the tub, allowing for acceptance of the top of the liner, which protrudes above the top of the tub, as shown in the image below right.
Plastic liner removed from tub.
Star & Acorn on the lid of the 'small, missing band' tub above.
The image first right, shows the fixing of the 'Acorn' to the 'Star', in the same manner as shown on the 'original tubs' page, however due to the corrosion around the fixing, I assume that the washer is a steel one in this case.
The shaft of the 'Acorn' passes through the 'Star' and then through the washer underneath, the end then compressed to make a secure fit.
In order for the 'Star & Acorn' to sit flush to the lid, a recess is drilled into the lid, as shown second right, to accept the protrusion of the 'Acorn' shaft, captive inside the washer.
XXXI scribed into stave end.
Comparison of tall and small 'missing band' reproduction tubs.
The fourth type of reproduction grog tub is a little bit of a mystery.
Having only ever come across two, but observing that both share
very similar characteristics.
The actual woodwork of the tub and lid appear to be from original
tubs, however the bright work - ( bands/hoops, Star & Acorn and
'letters' ) are not original.
Quite how this type of 'Hybrid Reproduction' tub arose is
perplexing.
The only explanation that makes sense is that the MOD sold a
number of grog tubs in a 'shaken' state - that is - completely
dismantled, without any of the bright work. A buyer has then
rebuilt the tubs and sourced the bright work from else where, I
cannot think of another reason why someone would remove
original bright work - bands/hoops, Star & Acorn and 'letters', and
then fit reproduction bright work items.
Both 'Hybrid Reproduction' tubs that I have observed have
surfaced in the US, they are both the larger size of tubs, 30
Gallons+, perhaps to save storage space in the Victualling Yards,
they were 'shaken' ( dismantled ).
Both of the 'Hybrid Reproduction' tubs I have come across have
the following in common:
A metallic supporting band around the inner circumference of the
tub, near to the top of the staves.
Tub No1, above, has a mild steel band, whilst tub No2, below, has
a galvanised band.
Both tubs have 'Star of David' style 'Stars', although both are of
differing sizes. The 'Stars' are not screwed to the lid, they are
bolted. A bolt is tightened into the 'Acorn' from the underside of
the lid, holding the 'Star' captive.
An owner of one such tub has advised that three screw holes are to be found beneath the existing 'Star of David' Star.
These would have been the screw fixing holes for the original 'Star'.
A recess is also present in the lid, the recess would have accepted the protrusion of the fixing washer, beneath an original 'Star' - see 'original grog tubs' page for details.
This leads me to believe that the original 'Star & Acorn' has been removed and a reproduction 'Star & Acorn' fitted.
The 'Acorns' on both 'Hybrid Reproduction' tubs are different, one is a tall straight sided Acorn, without a 'pip', seen in the images of tub No1, above above. The other is a straight sided acorn with a 'pip', see images of tub No2, below.
Both 'Hybrid Reproduction' tubs use the same set/style/font of 'letters' as the 'letters' that make up the 'Royal Toast' on the 'Fleming's pointed' style of reproduction grog tub, however the 'letter' 'E', on tub No2, below, is slightly different.
Hybrid tub No2 has had the original letters removed from one side of the tub, and the 'Fleming's' style 'letters' fixed to the other side. I cannot tell from the images that I have if the same is true of Hybrid tub No1.
The image left shows the top of one of the staves making up the wall of the tub.
The Roman numerals XXXI ( 31 ) can be seen, presumably scribed into the end of the stave.
This does lend some credibility to the story described earlier re: Roman numerals under a lid.
It does however show a mismatch between tub and lid - '6' or 'g' on the lid, as shown earlier, and XXXI on the stave.
The image above shows the edge detail of the 'small, missing band' tub lid.
Plastic liner inside tub ( Ice cube receptacle ).
The image left shows the white plastic liner inside the tub.
* ( Can be plain mild steel or galvanised ) *
The image right shows the white plastic liner removed from the tub.
* ( Can be plain mild steel or galvanised ) *
All 'letter' edges chamfered.
Notch to inner upper rim of tub to receive protrusion of plastic liner.