Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a very powerful object, not only referring to its capabilities but to its obvious age and place in Maritime history.

The British Naval pay scale was established in 1658 and basically remained unchanged for almost 140 years. There was zero inflation up until the 7 years war (1756-1763) known as the French and Indian War in the United States. However by the end of the 1700s with increasing British Government debt Naval pay was well behind causing great unpopularity. This led to two mutinies, that at Spithead near Portsmouth and at The Nore in the Thames Basin in London, both occurring in 1797.

It had become so bad that NO ONE volunteered any more to serve in his Majesty's Men of War. As a result potential recruits were found in Pubs, brothels and on the streets of any coastal city that might be persuaded to enlist. Usually this recruitment was achieved with lots of strong drink, resulting in the victim waking up to find himself as a Seaman. The press gang cosh was used to help expedite this process.

This impressive example measures only 13 3/4" but when you feel it in your hand it can certainly be seen to be "A Persuader". It is made from a length of Malacca Cane with, with a heavy lead weight on the "business end", which has been wrapped with woven cat gut to secure it, and make it slightly less likely to break bones.

The other end however does not have any bludgeon attached, and instead has a cat cut wrapped pommel with a stag horn whistle on the very end. This was surely to call reinforcements should the impressment not go well.

A very fine example showing very little use, A true Classic, extremely RARE in such a state.