Antique Forcola da Gondola from a Venice Gondoliere

Description

Antique Forcola da Gondola from a Venice Gondoliere - a true maritime collector's item!
This is an original antique and actually used "forcola da gondola" from Venice, Italy. It'a miracle of medieval maritime technology and unique to Venice - read up on Wikipedia to get more information.
It's estimated to be from the 17th century but actual age could not be determined here.
Actually used forcolas are very hard to find, the gondolieres don't give them up. They are custom made to the gondoliere and usually stay with the family.
I spent months searching for an actually used one (and not a replica) by a gondoliere in Venice and finally found this one after I met Gilberto Penzo (www.veniceboats.com). I paid 800 Euros for it more than 10 years ago and have enjoyed it plenty. We are now moving & downsizing and have no place for this truly stunning conversation piece.
This forcola is made of very sturdy wood and shows the use marks of hundreds of years of usage.
Item is 26 inches tall and weighs about 10 pounds.
Please ask me any question.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%B3rcola