This is a marlinspike from the 1800s, traditionally used by sailors for various tasks, such as untying stubborn knots, separating rope strands for splicing, and providing leverage when working with shackles.
It is made of oak wood and measures 12.75" long. It looks to be hand-carved. I don't have specific historical details about it, but I do know that the owner had a relative who was the captain of a steamship during the 1850s to 1870s.
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