1800s depiction of a sailor ceremoniously chopping the hawser. Chopping the hawser with an axe (large rope securing a ship to its moorings) rather than just untying it was once a regular event at important ceremonies in Britain such as ship launch or the departure of royalty or other dignitaries by ship from a dock. It was meant to symbolically signify an unhindered voyage.

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Size: 4149px × 5315px
Photo credit: © Colin Waters / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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