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Shipbuilding Caulking Mallet

Original price $175.00 - Original price $175.00
Original price
$175.00
$175.00 - $175.00
Current price $175.00
SKU 2207

2.5"x14.5"x3"

Caulking refers to the procedure of making wooden decks on boats watertight, and the process uses some interesting tools. Specifically, the caulking mallet’s purpose is to drive cotton and strands of oakum a fibrous material created from jute into the seams or gaps between planks. Afterward, it is sealed with tar to make the deck watertight. This important process takes a lot of skill; if done incorrectly, the wood can split and leave the deck waterlogged. This particular mallet was found in Canada and signed by P. Bergeron, a shipwright. Although Bergeron’s past is unknown, he likely took great pride in his mallet. Overall, caulking mallets have a unique design. This object features a distinctive longitudinal slot in the head of the mallet. This gives the wood some springiness to reduce jarring on the user’s wrist. Metal handles and bars around the centre of the object exude sophistication, and the hand-etched signature evokes authenticity and prestige. Historically, some shipbuilders adjusted the slots in their mallet in an attempt to get a nicer slamming sound than their workmates. Take this distinct object home and use its captivating history as a talking point during your next social event.

At this time in Canada, the country’s first public railway, the Champlain and St Lawrence Railroad (C&SL), officially opened on July 21, 1836. The original line ran between La Prairie on the St. Lawrence River, and St. Johns on the Richelieu, effectively serving as a portage over the most difficult part of the journey between Montreal and New York. The route began regular operations on July 25th, with the wood-burning Dorchester train capable of reaching up to 48 km/h. The opening of this railway began the most important change in transportation in Canada’s history.