Antique Rollergun from the Ron Mullins Collection

Ron Mullins has a very extensive collection of vintage spearfishing equipment. Among these antiques is a very high quality example of an Asian rollergun. Another example can be seen in Jack Prodanovich's personal collection. These small production spearguns used flat rubber bands which were probably hooked to the sides of the shaft carrier with brass rings. The example that Ron has still retains the rings, although they are temporarily fixed to the end of the spearshaft. It is also important to view the red plastic carrier stops on the carrier guide rods. These stops absorb the energy of the carrier, as it still is powered when the shaft is released. This gun (large size) used two flat bands as is indicated by the double rings on the side of the gunbody.

Note that this advanced version of the Asian rollergun has an exquisite small line reel that is stored in a cut-out compartment in the bottom of the gun body. The small brass reel has knurled side plates which undoubtedly assisted in line repacking and drag during deployment. In the photo below, you can see the double rings which held the flat bands. The line deployment is uncertain. We do not think it was hung from the hooks on the shaft carrier mechanism.

This small rollergun is the 'large size'. It has a red color english language nameplate. Some components around the trigger are missing. The ring on a rod protruding in front of the trigger may be part of the line release or safety mechanism.

A close up of the red-colored name plate reveals the words, "U.W. Spear Gun, TAIRYO, Large Size, Pat. No. 438832, Made in Japan. This nameplate most likely indicates a post WWII manufacture date. We are under the impression that the word 'TAIRO' translates to 'BIG FISH HARVEST'.

For comparison with the early Japanese rollergun in Jack Prodanovich's collection go to page: http://rocknfish.com/Early_Rollergun.html

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