Line-throwing pistol

Line-throwing pistol consisting of a long barrel with pistol grip and trigger which fires a short blank cartridge. The cartridge is loaded into the breech of the pistol and the rocket is inserted into the muzzle. On pulling the trigger, the gases generated by the fired cartridge eject the rocket on its correct line of flight, and at the same time, burst through the waterproof disc and ignite the propellant mixture, which carries the rocket and line on the remainder of the flight. The rocket (which is missing) consists of a weldless steel case filled with propellant mixture sealed in by a waterproof disc. Fixed to the rocket case is a direction bridle, to the end of which a short length of flexible steel wire is attached, this in turn being connected to the end of the line to be thrown. The number '503324' and the serial number '585' are stamped on the pistol.

Object Details

ID: AAA3125
Collection: Weapons
Type: Line-throwing pistol
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Schermuly, Augustus William
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 130 x 550 x 60 mm