What is this item????

[irish sea lad]

If you really want to know what it’s for, throw it away. Its true purpose will reveal itself in a matter of days, then you’ll need to make a new one.

[topmast]

Back in the day when men were men and women glad of it ,short arm inspections were necessary amongst the ranks. This instrument was wielded in the officers quarter. The lesser ranks had a wrought iron but similar unit. In spite of the entertainment factor ,these were made obsolete by the introduction of penicillin.

[Sonny36]

Looks to me like a honing steel to keep knives sharp.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Scott Berg

As several noted, while it does indeed look a bit like a fid it's a "larding needle." The previous owners were serious about their galley!

Yeah, Im changing my vote, I think its a larding needle.

[model 10]

You carnivores make me ill.

[Lodesman]

Originally Posted by Ecos

You carnivores make me ill.

Probably because you undercooked them.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by Lodesman

Probably because you undercooked them.

I used to have a sticker on my car that said "I crashed in the mountains and I had to eat my co-pilot."

[Two Skippies]

I’m not sure what it is, but going on the replies so far I’d say it’s a “must have” for every boat.

[GrowleyMonster]

Originally Posted by Two Skippies

I’m not sure what it is, but going on the replies so far I’d say it’s a “must have” for every boat.

I think they are on sale at Worst Marine.

[Sailing4Jesus]

It's a THINGAMAJIG or maybe a HICKIEMADOUGLE.