Gun Harpoon
Cast iron Gun Harpoon which was one of the first whaling harpoons to be fired from a gun where a "forerunner" was attached to the "eye" on the harpoon. It is believed to be only one of it's kind in Western Australia.
Whaling was one of the first industries established in WA. The Castle Rock Whaling Company based itself at Castle Bay between 1845 to 1872, as it provided shelter, water, firewood and a high point from which to spot whales. Running a whaling station at such a remote spot had its problems like drunkenness, absconding workers and in 1849 all boats and sheds were destroyed by fire.
The two main species of whales targeted by whalers at Castle Bay were the Humpback Whale and the Southern Right Whale which migrate north-south along the Western Australian coastline stopping in Geographe Bay to feed and strengthen their calves before continuing to the Southern Ocean.
Details
Details
A harpoon cannon is a whaling implement developed in the late 19th century but mostly used in the 20th century. It would be mounted on the bow of a whaling ship, where it could be easily aimed with a wide field of view at the target. Early models were powered by black powder and would fire a large iron harpoon.
Busselton Historical Society
Busselton Historical Society
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