A very large hardwood fid. Hand whittled with signs of much use.
Fids were used to loosen and tighten knots. It was used to separate the strands of rope for splicing. The fid was used as a club and a temporary pull handle. It was used to shape hand sewn grommets in sails and clothing. After the knife, it was the sailors most important tool.
Good condition.
Nineteenth century.