Toggle Iron

Mediummetal

Dimensions37 1/4 in. (94.6 cm)

Donor credit lineKendall Whaling Museum Collection Transfer

Object number2001.100.3637

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionToggle head with double flue held in Temple-style clevis. Experimental whaling harpoon type, design attributed to Elisha Babcock (1860) and manufactured by John Tinkham in Fairhaven, MA. Said to have been used successfully on his own voyages, but others regarded it as problematic and it was never generally adopted.ProvenanceThis harpoon is one of several made by Tinkham, probably for Babcock's cruise in the bark Lydia of Fairhaven (1860-1864). At least a few others were made by James M. Snow (of Snow & Purrington), likely for Babcock's voyage in the Adeline Gibbs of New Bedford (1866-1870).

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