overall: 45 in x 4 in x 4 in; 114.3 cm x 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm
Object Name:
harpoon
Place Made:
United States: Massachusetts, New Bedford
Date made:
mid-1800s
Harpoons replaced hand tools:
late 19th century
Description:
In the later 19th century, guns with explosive charges shooting the harpoons took the place of hand tools for catching and killing whales. They were much safer, for they could be shot at a whale from greater distances than a hand lance could be applied. They also penetrated the whale’s skin deeper and were harder for the animal to dislodge.
Gun harpoons were also far more efficient, for the steam whalers could approach the prey directly and did not need labor-intensive whaleboats and their highly trained crews any longer.
Designed to be fired from a shoulder gun, this nonexplosive style of harpoon was invented by Oliver Allen of Norwich, Conn. to fasten to whales prior to killing.
