Extremely Rare Regency Naval interest Bosuns Cosh 27.5cm - Superb Condition

A late 18th- or early 19th-century Bosun's starter, also known as a cosh or persuader,. The starter / persuader has a baleen shaft with a lead weight mounted on the end; it is then covered in rope hitching and whipping.  This particular example is in the most fabulous condition, given its age and intended use. This type of starter / persuader would have been carried by the boatswain aboard a ship. This has engraved brass terminals at each end. It was used to hit any of the ship's crew that were slacking off work or being lazy, and this is how the implement got the name starter or persuader. They were also carried by press gangs who were tasked with finding new crew members for His Majesty's Navy. Length: 27.5cm