Original Iron and Wood “One-Flue” Harpoon from the early 19th Century

Here on offer is an original and rare iron and wood, one-flue harpoon from the early 19th century.

This example has an iron front section with a socket that is fixed to a hickory or other hardwood shaft and held in place by a round headed stud.

The wooden shaft shows signs of old woodworm holes, which have now been treated to ensure there is no existing woodworm activity. There are also now some age cracks along the shaft, but the shaft is still very solid in structure.

The iron section has been painted black at some point in time, to preserve it, as it shows signs of age pitting under the paint.

The iron socket is slight loose against the wooden shaft, but is not excessive.

The one-flue harpoon or one-flue iron (sometimes "single" instead of "one" is used) is a type of harpoon used in whaling after its introduction in the early 19th century when it replaced the two-flue harpoon.

Due to the asymmetric design of the head for which it is named, the one-flue harpoon was less likely to cut its way out of the whale meat and blubber, and was therefore more successful in whaling.

In the mid-19th century, the one flue harpoon was replaced by the toggling harpoon, which was an iron version of the ancient design used in the Arctic by the native whale hunters there.

The toggling iron harpoon was even more successful and rapidly phased out the use of the "common harpoon" (a term which refers to either the one or two flue harpoon).

This is a rare example of an early whaling harpoon that makes a great display piece.

It measures 39.75” (101cm) long and weighs a heavy 720g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51059