Three classic spearguns, possibly pre-dating WWII were
purchased through an on-line auction. These guns do not yet have any information
accompanying them, but by viewing some of the details of their construction,
one can see a fine level of hand-made craftsmanship. There were three guns,
two of which were made at the same time by the same person (clearly a skindiver).
The third gun was from later edition. Hopefully, research will yeild
more information.
Below is a mosaic image construction of what this gun looks like. The image shows the overall layout of one in this set.
John Warren 2/9/03
Below is a mosaic image construction of what this gun looks like. The image shows the overall layout of one in this set.
In this set of spearguns, two were obviously made together. They are the same length and similar
design with nearly identical components. One (shown above) is a two-band
version and the other is a single-band gun. The band pull was about 48".
The spearshaft lengths was 65" and the overall gun, including 'stock' was
63". None of the measurements are metric which suggests the guns are American
and not European manufacture. The two-band gun shown above has a gunbody
made from what appears to be cypress wood with a crossectional dimension
of 1.25". The other gun is one-band and has a tapering crossection
from 1.25 to 1" at the tip. One of the interesting features is the presence
of 'square' slots for the rubber band material. The two-band gun shows evidence
of modification to adapt to 'round' rubber band material. Possibly the first
bands were flat strip material (not round).
The detailed construction of these guns shows considerable
expertise in metalworking as well as sophistication is design. Undoubtedly
the master craftsman was also experienced as a skindiver. These are highly
refined designs made by a true underwater spearfisherman. Please see some
of the fabrication details below. I was particularly impressed with the rigging
of these guns. Stainless steel cable was used and a technique of 'whipping'
by wrapping the connection tightly with copper wire and applying lead solder
can be seen throughout these guns. This is form of metal joinry unknown today,
as we have mechanical swaging with pre-made copper barrels. The image below
is a copper tube whipped and lead-soldered upon the spearshaft just in front
of the slide ring. This tube has a stainless cable running through it and
it goes to the dart. It is not unlike a tubular slide ring . There is no
'adapter' on the end of the shaft. The dart fits over the end of the square-cut
spearshaft.
These spearguns used slide rings to retain the spearshaft
with line. The tubular slide rings fit into the muzzle of the gun. Note the
whipped connections on the stainless steel wire. An 'aircraft clevis' can
be seen as part of the rigging, as well as snap stainless fasteners for fishing.
Again, it is important to note the rigging which uses whipped
copper wire with lead solder to join the metallic components. This type of
whipping joinery is illustrated in the early reference book, 'The Compleat Goggler'
by Guy Gilpatric, (1934). Note that there are no 'crimps' or welds in these
guns. The spearshafts are 1/4" diameter copper-based alloy. They are very strong. The dart is a well-crafted tri-cut design.
The sear and trigger mechanism are very interesting. These
two guns have a 2-piece mechanism which does not use a covered sear case.
The spearshaft is simply retained by a hooked sear tooth. The band wishbones
are placed directly upon the back of the arrow (like archery). Please see
how the arrow is held and the position of the trigger-bar. The mass of the
trigger and locations of the pins are important in the 'latching' of the
mechanism. Upon examination, we found that by tipping the gun's nose down,
the mechanism would automatically 'self-latch' and be ready to hook the arrow
on the sear tooth. Once the tensioned bands were hooked onto the arrow it
could not slip off the sear tooth. There appears to be no special 'safety'
mechanism.
The muzzle of these guns shows an interesting slot for
the bands. The larger gun, which has less evidence of wear, has two slots
for rubber bands. These are rectangular and relatively long. Very old round
rubber is still showing in the forward slot. Note that the slot has been
bored-out larger to accept the larger band. The smaller gun only has
one slot. It also shows the reminats of a piece of gum rubber.
There is a 3rd gun that is made from mahogany. It
has been stained dark. There is no mechanism, arrow or rigging. This gun
has an offset handle and ergonomic arm support at back of gun. It is very
comfortable when held. This gun appears to be of different origin from the
other two. This gun almost seems like it was unfinished. It was considerably
different than the other two.
This just about covers the detailed elements of these very
interesting guns. Eventually, there may be more information on their history. This
is a website page under development.
John Warren 2/9/03