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19th century as used for shanghaiing seamen. 13 7/8” length. Malacca haft with turned wood base. Spherical weighted head covered in sailor knot work cord and blackened over. Used by “crimps” to knock out and incapacitate sailors, mostly when drunk, who subsequently awoke aboard a ship on which they were forced to serve. These tactics were used widely in San Francisco in the 1850s when numbers of ships brought supplies for the lucrative gold mining market. Sailors would typically jump ship for the gold fields leaving many ships without crews for their return voyages. Great character.

Stock Number: FNS9247

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