Belaying Pin, Brass

This is a brass belaying pin, a traditional tool for securing ropes on sailing ships. The condition of the tool is great and it would fit right in with an existing brass tool collection or a great starter piece. 

Size - 7 inches

• Material: Made of brass, which resists corrosion in a maritime environment.

• Shape: One end is rounded for handling, the middle has a flange or “collar” that stops it from slipping through the rail, and the other end is tapered for securing rope.

• Size & simplicity: Belaying pins were made in wood or metal and designed to be easily pulled out, used as a removable cleat for tying off running rigging.

Purpose:

• Used on sailing ships in pin rails (wooden or metal racks along the rail or mast).

• Sailors wrapped lines around them to secure sails and rigging.

• They could also be pulled out and used as a hand weapon in emergencies (sailors sometimes called them “the sailor’s nightstick”).