Antique Collectables 19thc Bosun's Thread Covered Weighted Persuader.

An unusual example of an early 19thc 'Bosun's' Persuader....these collectable items were used by senior non commissioned naval officers to be used to keep sailors in line and to press-gang those men that were unwilling to join the service....this fine example is made of a central shaft of malacca, which was used for the finest walking sticks and canes of the period....it is weighted at each end with lead and is covered in fine thread....this is only the second example I have had made of malacca , they are usually made from baleen .......it has a little threadware to the larger end, exposing the lead, which is not surprising when you think of the years of use it has had.... and doesn't detract in any way.

English. C1820-40.