An aid to the Breeches buoy lifesaving device known as the breeches buoy hawser cutting block.

In complete condition for its age of early/mid 20th century. 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.

Read about the Breeches buoy rescue equipment here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeches_buoy