Busselton Historical Society > Records

Harpoon

Subcollections
Marine
Overview

Cast iron harpoon that was used in whaling at Castle Bay. Something has been engraved on the harpoon head but it is not readable.

Historical information

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

Registration number
cwa-org-124-2020.942
Item type
Objects
Themes
Social History
Material
Cast Iron
Width
10 cm
Height or length
97 cm
Depth
5 cm
Keywords
Castle Bay Whaling Station
Primary significance criteria
Social or spiritual significance
Related Objects

Related Objects

Parent records
ROOM 1.7 Marine
Busselton Historical Society

Busselton Historical Society

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Cast iron harpoon
Cast iron harpoon
Harpoon head where some letters are visible on the shaft but not readable
Harpoon head where some letters are visible on the shaft but not readable

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