Marlinspike

Accession Number1986.008.0831

VesselNuestra Señora de Atocha (1622)

Datecirca 1620

DescriptionAn iron marlinspike from the wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, sunk in 1622. The marlinspike was a hand-held iron pin that tapered to a point. It was used by sailors to separate strands of rope for splicing and to undo knots. This example is 25.8 centimeters long (10 inches). It is pierced at the butt end, so it could be looped with a cord for carrying or hanging. Similar devices made of wood are called fids.