A Fabulous and Historic Tiller carved in honor of Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane and Admiral Lord Bridport and dated 1843

This outstanding carved wooden tiller measures 20 1/4" long. It is done in rope motifs including turk's head knot, twisted rope and monkey fist knot. All four sides of the tiller end are carved with diamonds, hearts, floral and fish motifs. The aft section of the tiller that would slot into the top of the rudder is carved with the name "ALEXANDER COCHRANE" on one side, "J Waldron" in script on another side, "BRIDPORT" on the third side and the date 1843 with the Union Jack next to it on the fourth side. HISTORICAL NOTE: Although one might assume that the name BRIDPORT refers to the town of BRIDPORT in Dorset, England, Alexander Hood was Admiral Lord Bridport and was Commander in Chief of the Channel Fleet during the Napoleonic Wars (1795-1815). He worked closely with Vice Admiral the Honourable Alexander Cochrane during this period. Both were contemporaries with Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. I believe that 'J. Waldron' was the carver of this tiller and may have served under one or both of these gentlemen during this period. PROVENANCE: John Rinaldi