Harpoon head with rope cable from Greener's Light harpoon gun
Date1930s-1950s
Object number00046244
NameHarpoon
Mediummetal, rope cable
DimensionsOverall (Harpoon measurement): 370 x 47 x 24 mm, 1766 g
ClassificationsArmament
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bob Parish
DescriptionHarpoon head with rope cable from the Greener's Light Harpoon Gun (00046242).HistoryThe harpoon gun's purpose was to throw lines from ship to ship, or ship to shore. By attaching a series of heavier lines at one end or the other and hauling or retracting them it was possible to provide transfer of objects or people in emergencies or for other purposes. Light harpoon guns were used on civilian or merchant vessels, such as coastal ships and inshore vessels - standard firearms were used for the purpose on naval ships. Rocket devices superseded harpoon guns around the mid-20th century. The Greener harpoon gun with its complete case and equipment is significant as an example of rescue and emergency equipment used at sea.
