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Gun, whaling harpoon
Large harpoon gun with steel harpoon and rope attached; it has a wooden stock, steel barrel and swivel, brass fittings.
The harpoon was not intended to kill the whale, but rather to attach a rope to it. The wounded animal would then drag the boat until it became exhausted, at which point the men could move in for the kill. This gun was taken on the British Arctic Expedition of 1875.
The harpoon was not intended to kill the whale, but rather to attach a rope to it. The wounded animal would then drag the boat until it became exhausted, at which point the men could move in for the kill. This gun was taken on the British Arctic Expedition of 1875.
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Object Details
| ID: | TOA0208 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Gun, whaling harpoon |
| Display location: | Not on display |
| Exhibition: | The Atlantic: Slavery, Trade, Empire; Trade and Commerce |
| Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London |
| Measurements: | Overall: 150 mm x 1385 mm x 250 mm x 247 kg |
| Parts: | Gun, whaling harpoon |