Double Flue Iron

DateCirca 1841

Mediummetal

Dimensions37 1/2 in. (95.3 cm)

Object number1959.8.52

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionDouble flue or two-flued iron with twisted flues. Steel head forge-welded to iron shank. Each barb twisted with point about 3/8" from centerline. Standard socket.
Initials "P" "T" and "W" "C" on iron.

Label: Carsley Iron. The earliest U.S. patent for a harpoon of which there is record was granted to William Carsley of New Bedford in 1841. With flues twisted in opposite directions, this harpoon carried the maker's mark WC. The harpoon's twisted flues would pull on uncut flesh after having entered the whale thus hindering its exit.ProvenanceF. Gilbert Hinsdale (see also 2001.100.3471 and 00.206.76) suggested that examples of Carsley's patented style should be marked "reproduction" as he had done in the context of his own collection. His information indicated that Luther Cole, Carsley's son-in-law, held the patent and manufactured irons according to the patented specification (source: Cole's son Edward). Cole was reputed to have manufactured a Carsley style harpoon (1959.8.52) for J. T. Brown in 1882. Hinsdale's belief was that no original Carsley irons survived. Lytle questions this assertion and notes that as the same iron in question is stamped WC, it is, in fact, an original Carsley iron.

On View

Not on view