Beautiful old patina to the wood, whatever it is!? Definitely very old. Robert could be right with his fid possibility. I'm thinking nautical as well, possibly a cauking wedge for finishing out a ship? I've got an old spike axe ca. 1780 with a haft of similar dark patina. I like it, whatever it is!
Jimmy, you are the undisputed expert on oceanagraphic clubs. Any chance this could be a form of one of those???
Mark