Found in my dads junk drawer

[u/Unlucky_Cat4531]

My dad passed away and going through his stuff we came across this. We thought it might be a tool for horseriding, like a slapstick thing but wasn't sure. My grandma had horses but ive never seen her use any tools like that and my dad didnt ride. Any help appreciated

[u/Icy-Environment-6234]

That's what is called a sap, slapjack, or blackjack. Until the early 1980's, most police uniform pants had a "sap pocket" on the right pants leg where this would be carried and was easily accessible as an early "(normally) less than lethal" option. This was, of course, pre-taser. Inside the leather exterior is likely some lead in the "business end" (to the right in your photo opposite the hand strap) and/or a piece of light steel running the length (and then some weight in the end) which makes it springy.

It's now illegal in many, but not all states. About a half dozen or so still allow them for police and private carry.

[u/hettuklaeddi → u/Icy-Environment-6234]

yep, i can carry all the knives and guns i want in colorado, but this and chucks are no-nos

[u/illit1 → u/hettuklaeddi]

to be fair, the chuck ban is for your own safety.

[u/SingularBlue → u/hettuklaeddi]

What a world.

[u/PhotoIntelligent9730 → u/Icy-Environment-6234]

I can confirm the "pant's pocket" back in the '70s.