18th Century British Naval Press Gang Cosh

A Press Gang Cosh was an item much feared by men in the 18th & 19th century as it was used by the Royal Navy to coerce men into joining up. It is crudely leather sewed and wrapped measuring 12 ½’ x 2” and weighs 1-pound, 3-ounces.

Navy enlistment dramatically declined so the age old tradition of Press Ganging which was equivalent to kidnapping able bodied men, usually by alcohol or brute force then enlisting them in the Royal Navy to fight in the American Revolution. Press gangs would roam the streets of inns & taverns looking for the slightly worse for wear men. Imagine enjoying a night out and waking up, hung over, finding yourself an involuntary volunteer at sea, on board one of the Navy's finest.

The British Naval pay scale was established in 1658 and basically remained unchanged for almost 140 years. There was zero inflation up until the 7 years’ war (1756-1763) known as the French and Indian War in the United States. However, by the end of the 1700s with increasing British Government debt Naval pay was well behind causing great unpopularity. This led to two mutinies, that at Spithead near Portsmouth and at The Nore in the Thames Basin in London, both occurring in 1797.

This leather wrapped egg shaped head is well-worn and no doubt seen use. The length of this weapon enables it to deliver a lethal blow to the unsuspecting new “Navy volunteer” The press gang cosh was used to help expedite this process.

This original one-of-a-kind weapon was a very powerful object, not only referring to its capabilities but to its obvious age and place in Maritime French & Indian War and Revolutionary War history. It is a true classic, and extremely RARE to survive in such condition.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in sales.