Antique? Whaling Harpoon Nautical Maritime Great Piece

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Antique? Whaling Harpoon Nautical Maritime Great Piece

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Sold Date: 03/21/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fine Art

I purchased this whale harpoon from the same gentleman I am selling a 100 year old black forest cuckoo clock that was passed down in his family. He said he acquired this harpoon over 20 years ago from an elderly woman in her 60s w he did some side work. He told me that she said it has been in her family for over 40 years and believed it was very, very old than.

It appears to be made by cast iron, it is very smooth to the touch with no rust, t are some very tiny holes in one small area that occurred during casting. The iron dart and pole are natually very dark from age and not painted. The dart is very sharp on the front and the top. It swivels freely which I was told so that it catches on to the whale blubber. The hemp rope is appropriately aged and is definitely very, very old. It looks like it was made for this harpoon based on the turns that go around the top and bottom of the pole. The pole has an wonderful look, however I'm not sure if it's as old as the iron harpoon. I understand that poles were lost when the harpoons were thrust into the whale.

Note : A magnet would not stick to the head of the iron. The head pivots freely. T is a small hole were I placed a small nail, it went all the way through the dart and pole and to the other side of the dart, not sure what that was used for?

Measurements : The head of the whale harpoon is 7" inches long. The iron portion of the harpoon is 31" inches long down to the bottom of the cone end that goes around the pole. The overall length of the harpoon is approx 7 feet tall.

I can't say enough wonderful things about this item, hopefully the photos will. This item is being sold as is and as found, sorry no returns. I would like to note that I am not a nautical or marine expert, I am basing my information on what was provided to me. I can't guarantee this harpoon was used to capture whales. I will however say it is a very interesting nautical piece which deserves to be displayed in a whaling nautical implement collection. Please ask questions, I will do my best to answer. Winning bidder pays shipping & insurance. Payment by Paypal preferred for quick shipping. Bidding starts at 75.00 with No Reserve! Questions can be forwarded to

I want to make it clear that the head of the dart is made of iron.