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Sea chest becket

Sea Chest Beckets

Fancy ropework chest handles or beckets are another application of marlinespike seamanship commonly seen on sea chests used by sailors. A fancy chest becket served as an outward symbol that the owner of that chest was a sailor who deserved respect. The knowledge of how to tie certain knots was often bartered and only experienced sailors knew how to create such intricate pieces. These handles typically saw hard use and wear so today they are rarely seen. The chests themselves on the other hand have survived the test of time. If you have either a new or antique chest and wish to outfit it like a sea chest with an authentic looking set of handles, this is where you can do so.

Like bellropes, beckets are made around a core of rope or twine. The strongest handles are made by taking several turns of small twine, binding the middle and leaving the ends open. This forms the general shape of the handle which is then ready for the fancy covering. The next step is to form the bolt rope which passes through the eyes and has knobs put in the ends. Finally, a wooden cleat is made to attach the becket to the side of the chest. A fancy set of shackle type beckets can require three to four times as long to produce as a bellrope.


Chest Becket Gallery

Please click images for a larger view and description

Beckets
Item BK #1
$425 excluding cleats
Chest Beckets
Item BK #2
$250 excluding cleats
Sea Chest Beckets
Item BK #3
$200
Beckets
Item BK #4
$225

Item BK #5
$50

Item BK #6
$150

Item BK #7
$125

Item BK #8
$250

Walnut Sea Chest Becket Cleats


Cleat Style #1
 Cleat style #1
$60/pair

          

Cleat Style #2
 Cleat style #2
$150/pair

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