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Firearms, Ammo, Reloading, Sports, Antiques
Lot 4024:
Recent estate find. Very rare Brand No. 1 Hand Held Shoulder Whaling gun. Plus a group of exploding harpoons, which are at least, if not more rare, than the gun itself. Two of these harpoons fit the Brand gun, the others are for other types of exploding harpoon guns, including the Eggers type. The Brand No. 1 is missing its stock, but does have the cover for its mechanicals, as well as its hammer, trigger guard and some other parts photographed. Comes with a letter from Bob Hellman to the late collector giving many details of this and other similar harpoon guns, along with a copy of the patent for bomb lances. In 1846 the first successful muzzle-loaded shoulder gun was introduced for whaling. They were met with initial reluctance. According to one observer, ‘A whaler does not like to shoot a whale anymore than a sportsman would shoot a trout’. This hand held shoulder whaling gun was made by Christopher C Brand of Ledyard, Connecticut. Early killing methods were as dangerous to the crews as they were deadly to the whale. Hand-thrown harpoons merely attached a rope to the whale to stop it from escaping. Actual killing of the wounded and thrashing mammal was done at close range. A long lance pierced the lungs or heart for a slow death. Harpoon firing guns followed. The Christopher C. Brand shoulder whaling gun was originally invented by Oliver Allen of New London, Connecticut. Allen invented the gun-fired bomb lance, harpoon and shoulder gun – all of which were introduced in 1846. He received patents for the bomb lance and harpoon. The gun, made out of cast iron, weighed 23 pounds and was muzzle-loaded. A percussion cap was used to ignite the powder charge. The gun became an industry standard. In 1849 Allen sold his gun business to Christopher C. Brand of Ledyard, Connecticut. Brand modified the stock on the gun from brass to iron and the gun became known as the Brand gun. The bore of this gun is on the smaller end at .90". They were made with various size bores. The two top most exploding lances do fit this bore, albeit snugly. In-house shipping is available. Open pickup is Thursday, Nov. 21 from 10 am to 7 pm at our offices in Carroll, OH 43112 or we will provide in-house shipping for this item. We charge $5/lot if you want to pick up a different day. Once packed up we will send you an invoice for shipping & handling. Shipping questions: [email protected]. Sales tax will be collected on all bidders. If tax exempt, make sure your certification is submitted with the bid platform. TL24
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