Last flagons of dark rum issued by the MoD to Royal Navy sailors go up for sale 52 years later

Three flagons of rum issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to Royal Navy sailors are up for sale after 50 years.

The centuries-old tradition of giving seamen a daily ration of rum to prevent scurvy and boost spirits was ended in 1970 because of safety concerns.

The three 16.5ins high flagons were purchased by the current owner directly from the MoD in 1970.

Each flagon, believed to come from the final parcel made, is full of 4.5litres of dark rum which is said to be ‘delicious’.

British sailors aboard the HMS Curacoa pictured in the 1940s lining up to receive their daily rum ration while at sea

It is impossible to tell how old the rum is but it may have been blended with decades-old batches in large barrels.

They are now being sold separately at Dreweats Auctions of Newbury, Berkshire, and estimated to go for up to £2,500 each.

Auctioneer Mark Robertson said: ‘We are privileged to offer these rare flagons for sale in December.

‘We have been told by multiple sources that the rum inside is delicious and a unique style that is impossible to replicate.

‘Not much evidence survives about the rum’s provenance before the 20th century, but by the 1930s the lion’s share came from British Guayana and Trinidad.’

The ritual of giving sailors rum began in 1655 with the Royal Navy’s West Indies Squadron which was based in Jamaica.

The three flagons, expecting to sell for up to £2,500 each, are full of dark rum which is said to be ‘delicious and a unique style that is impossible to replicate’ 

Royal Navy sailors abroad the HMS Torquay pictured in the 1956 lining up to receive their daily rum ration

Rum was in plentiful supply in the Caribbean and unlike beer, it was stable in the scorching heat.

Mr Robertson added: ‘For five centuries British sailors gathered together from 11am-12pm for their ‘Up Spirits’, serving of their allocated ‘tot’ of rum.

‘The ‘tot’ consisted of an eighth of a pint and was over 50% ABV.

‘While regular sailors’ rum was mixed with lime juice and hot water, officers were permitted to drink theirs neat.

‘When the practice ended in 1970 many sailors regarded it as losing a favourite comrade on the ship and wore black armbands.’

The day it stopped is now known as ‘Black Tot Day’ and every year it is commemorated to celebrate the honoured tradition.

The flagons will be sold on December 8.