Mid-19th C. Sailor's "Sap" of Baleen, Lead Shot and Indigenous Fiber

This is a fabulous mid-nineteenth century sailor's "sap" made from baleen, lead shot and a woven, knotted indigenous fiber. A sap was carried as a compact personal protection device. This particular sap is attributed to a sailor because it is made of whale's baleen, lead from a ship's ballast, and the remnants of fibers indigenous to the South Pacific that once covered the leaden ends.

Circa mid-nineteenth century.

Approximately 11-5/8" in length and 1" in width (at end).

Baleen, lead shot, fibers.

This is from a weapons collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. MGEX08 LCIEX4/11 SCJJX3/15

5 (Very Good—Fine): The fibers that once covered the ends of the sap are mostly worn away. The baleen has some small spots of cracking but is intact.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.