Marlinspike
A marlinspike, called merlespiker or merlepren in Norwegian, is a pointed hand tool used in rope splicing. It belongs among sailors' and sailmakers' tools. Its point provides access between the strands while the rope is worked. It is inserted and withdrawn, rather than driven into timber like a construction nail.
A tapering form is an important feature. Dimensions, construction and known use must also be considered, because pointed awls occur in other crafts. A handle or tapered point alone is insufficient for secure identification. The Norwegian term denotes a specialised tool within the broader family of awls and prickers.
KUBEN's maritime-object catalogue lists AAM.13585 and AAM.07514 as marlinspikes under sailmaking. Its accession information records entry into the museum, not necessarily manufacture. When cataloguing an older example, record dimensions, material, wear, marks and any association with a vessel or workshop. Claims of a particular sailor or ship require separate provenance. The tool type alone cannot establish a production year.
