Model of Capstan with Whale-Tail hook

A 19th-century capstan model mounted vertically and used as a hat or coat hook for domestic use. Your coat or hat would be placed over the capstan or on the mahogany whale-tail hook on the bottom.

The remarkably accurate model is mounted to a shaped mahogany backboard, with the capstan barrel constructed of lignum vitae. The top and bottom of the capstan are made of metal with a worn gold-painted surface, and it has a hinged pawl that fits into a notch in the ratchet wheel to move it forward while preventing backward movement.

A capstan was a winch-type device used on sailing ships to raise the anchor when ordered to be manned by a ship's officer.