This is a  heavy shillelagh bata  or Irish fighting stick. It is approx 28" long,  and aprox 11/4" thick at the top of the shaft. The head is a knotty knuckle joint aprox 3 " deepx 4 1/4 "  front  to back  x 2 1/2" wide  across the middle formed at the junction of another branch and a main stem. Approx dia 1" at the bottom of the shaft .This is a heavy chunk of timber .

The profile is slightly hooked for trapping the opponent's stick.Classic slightly tapering shape and with a lovely curved profile.

The wood is tough old blackthorn and has a beautifully figured grain. with reds and brown with flecks of black. At the base is a very prominent thorn.

As you will see from the photos the patina is lovely and deep lacquered.The black  stubs of the thorns are clearly visible. 

Balance is spot on with a perfect centre of gravity for use as a club in combat.

Sticks of this nature were carried as walking sticks and also as very useful weapons being both  heavy and of tough wood..

There are some of the inevitable old knocks and dings but no serious damage . There are no splits or cracks and it is in good general order

This is part of a collection and would make a great ornament or talking piece.

Good luck.

Slainte ! R