A 19th century Whalebone 'Billy' Club From the Barbara Johnson Collection

Weighing approx. 1 pound 4 ounces and measuring 18 1/4" in length, this fine and rare example of a whalebone club has a turned fitted handle tapering into an octagonal shaft. Whether this was intended for self protection or for killing seals or fish we'll never know. One thing is for certain and that is that Barbara Johnson acquired it for her collection and that speaks volumes.