Rob Hall Antiques

Description

A large example of a bosun’s starter, sometimes known as a ‘persuader’ or ‘cosh’. These were used by the bosun on a naval vessel to ‘start’ the men who were slacking. Made from well-patinated plaited twine, the unusual size of the lead weight at one end makes this a bigger than a number of the examples that can still be found. This would have been a fierce weapon in the bosun’s hands. Some wear to plaited twine at one side of the weighted end.
Measuring 28 cm long, lead weight 8 cm in diameter

c. early 19th century