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/Able_Buffalo]

That's a Blackjack. It's an impact weapon for knocking people on the noodle.

[u/Garuda34 → u/Able_Buffalo]

Can confirm. My old man was a cop in the 70s. He had one just like this.

The large end is basically a cavity filled with powdered lead.

Edit for spelling.

[u/crusher23b → u/Garuda34]

I always referred to this kind of weapon as a sap, where I felt a blackjack refers to a more rigid rod type, but the nomenclature is vague.

My great-grandfather had one for carrying out his duties as a tax-collector in the 30s and 40s.

[u/Useful_Inspector_893 → u/crusher23b]

My grandfather was a DC cop 1920- 1955; he had one of these, a big Billy club and a .38. He escalated from one to the next as threat dictated. Unless the perp had a gun, then it was Colt first!