An aid to the Breeches bouy lifesaving device known as the breeches buoy hawser cutting block.
In fine complete condition for its age of turn of the 20th century. A beautiful patina to the wood and the rope.  It also works as it should. The hinges, locking pin, internal cutting blades, levers and tripping lanyards all present.
It was used to retrieve the hawser line once all the shipwrecked crew had been rescued.
The block measures 38cm x 15cm x 6cm and weighs 2.7kg.
Provenance - from Brixham coastguard station.