The Daily Rum Tot. For over three hundred years the many navies of the world served daily rum rations. Sailors of the British and U.S. Navies received their rations in standard size cups, which were actually an integral part of their navy outfit. The rum barrel was rolled out each day to the scuttebut near the main hatch. Under armed guard the Ship's purser then served each sailor from one to six rations ( 1/4 Gill each ) of straight rum, depending on conditions of war and weather. Handmade in copper or brass, the inside of every cup is silver-plated. Height: 2"