Description:

North America, United States, ca. 1860 CE. Watch out! An intimidating cast iron shoulder harpoon or darting gun equipped with a bomb lance - an explosive projectile that detonates once embedded in a whale - made from the same material with leather fletching. As the name implies, this hefty weapon was lofted upon one's shoulder, aimed at a whale, and fired, releasing the projectile that would vitally pierce the animal's skin and then explode to mortally maim the mammal. As guns were more efficient, deadly, and could be shot from safer distances, they replaced most hand harpoons and lances by the late 19th century. The example seen here was one of the more popular types and could be used for both harpooning and killing whales. Size of larger (gun): 29" L x 5.25" W (73.7 cm x 13.3 cm)

Cf. Smithsonian National Museum of American History, accession number 66767.

Provenance: private Sunset Beach, California, USA collection

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#175203

  • Condition: Still functions but not recommended for use. Losses and tearing to leather fletching on bomb lance, but gun is intact. Both have expected surface wear with nicks and abrasions as shown. Nice patina throughout.

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November 10, 2022 8:00 AM MST
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Artemis Fine Arts

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