The two-flue harpoon or two-flue iron (which, together with the
one-flue harpoon, were known as common harpoons) is a type of
harpoon
A harpoon is a long, spear-like projectile used in fishing, whaling, sealing, and other hunting to shoot, kill, and capture large fish or marine mammals such as seals, sea cows, and whales. It impales the target and secures it with barb or ...
used in
whaling
Whaling is the hunting of whales for their products such as meat and blubber, which can be turned into a type of oil that was important in the Industrial Revolution. Whaling was practiced as an organized industry as early as 875 AD. By the 16t ...
for at least 1000 years. It appears in works of art dating back to the 14th century.
In the early 19th century the design was modified, and the
one-flue harpoon was created. By removing half of the point, the chance of the point cutting its way back out of the whale was greatly reduced.
See also
*
Toggling harpoon
The toggling harpoon is an ancient weapon and tool used in whaling to impale a whale when thrown. Unlike earlier harpoon versions which had only one point, a toggling harpoon has a two-part point. One half of the point is firmly attached to the ...
External links
Two flue irons history
Harpoons
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