Belay Pin

By Crusader1307

Although strictly a type of sailing ship equipment, The Belay Pin became a noted weapon of choice on ships from the inception of traditional ship's rigging around the 14th/15th Centuries. Rigging (ropes used to configure sails for wind power), were tied and held in place on the Main Deck sides by pegs called Belaying Pins. The rigging ends would be wrapped around the pins (which would be fitted into racks). The Pins were made of Oak or Iron and were between 1.5 to 2 feet long. Blunted at the end, the top would resemble a handle. Belay Pins could be used as “Boarding/Anti-Boarding” weapons in the same relation as a Club or Baton. As an impact weapon, blunt force trauma (or death) could result. Seldom were they used as stabbing implements.