Rare Surviving Early Ship's Belaying Pin

An early, possibly late 18th century sailing ship's belaying pin. This is a very unique example being larger in size and with different proportions than the classic pin. Typically, the handle top end would be 1/3rd in length with the cylindrical bar 2/3rds in length. This example has a 9 inch top and 8 inch bar. The other explanation would be that the pin was cut-off and reduced in length sometime during it's history, but we do not have the provenance to disput it. Retains a wonderful old paint history on the belaying pin surface. A true collector's maritime artifact.