Vintage Wooden Pulley Block

Vintage Wooden Pulley Block Manufactured 1800-1900’s Large, heavy-duty single sheave or block, these were historically used on large wooden sailing vessels for rigging, hoisting sails, or loading heavy cargo. The thick, rounded “oval” shape of the wood shell was designed to prevent the block from snagging on ship ropes and sails. A standard single-sheave block is usually much narrower. The 4-inch thickness means the single internal wheel (the sheave) is exceptionally thick, engineered to guide an incredibly thick manila or hemp rope (likely 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) without jamming or slipping. •Heavy Forged Ironwork: The thick, rounded hooks and the strap wrapping around the block show signs of early industrial forging. •Oversized Single Mortise: A single-sheave block built to these 12″ x 9″ x 4″ proportions was standard during the peak era of merchant sailing ships. Wooden Shell (Cheeks): The main body is made of a durable hardwood (often ash or elm) to withstand weathering and heavy loads. The “Sheave” or wheel is made of a dark, dense, almost black wood, it is Lignum Vitae—a self-lubricating tropical wood used exclusively for high-end maritime shipping blocks because it wouldn’t rust or spark at sea. •Iron Straps and Hooks: The heavy iron fitting wrapping around the wood provides structural integrity, featuring a large hook on one end and a smaller swivel hook on the other. •Center Pin (Center Bolt): The square iron nut in the center holds the pin upon which the internal pulley wheel (sheave) rotates. •Square Pin Nut: The large, square, hand-threaded iron nut on the center axle is a hallmark of late 1800s and early 1900s manufacturing. Cleaned & Restored, the wood is treated with oil to bring out the grain, the iron is wire-brushed to clean off loose rust. This pulley was salvaged from where the McKay River met the Frederica River on St Simon’s Isalnd, GA Awesome Find! There is a 5” long gouge x 1” (at the widest part ) on one side of the block (see pics) this is absolutely normal from usage, being salvaged and the 125-135 years of age! The wood block is 12” long x 9” wide x 4” thick overall length is 27” long Large forged iron hook is 8” long x 1 1/2” diameter Small forged iron hook is 5” long x 1 1/16” wide at the middle of the crown “widest point”. No large splits in the wooden block are present! 18.6 lbs 1-available $195