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LOT 3284
Enormous Attractively Engraved Alexander Forbes Marked 1 5/8 Inch Bore Percussion
Harpoon Swivel Gun - NSN, 1 5/8 inch cal., 52 1/4 inch round bbl., brown/blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured c. the mid-19th
century. The harpoon gun itself is huge, measuring approximately 71 inches overall and having a very heavy 52 1/4 inch barrel with a bore
measuring approximately 1 5/8 inches in diameter. The lockplate is marked “ALEXr FORBES” and has profuse floral scroll engraving. The
barrel is marked “ALEXr FORBES CATBOLL” on top and is elaborately engraved with a flourish of thistle along with a shamrock and rose.
As no maker by this name is known as active from this period, it is believed these markings are for the first owner of this gun rather
than the maker. Catboll (Cadboll) is located in the northeast of Scotland near Balintore. The whaling industry was prevalent
on the east coast of Scotland, with Dundee and Peterhead being two of the country’s main whaling ports. The barrel is
fitted with a German silver bead front sight and a folding two-leaf rear sight. The bottom of the barrel has five pipes
retaining the massive iron ramrod, as well as a swivel eye for mounting the gun to a base, an example of
which is included that has multiple bolt holes in the base plate for mounting. The breech plug,
breech plug tangs, and buttplate appear to have been joined to form a one
piece skeleton for added strength to the stock, with a blank silver thumb
plate, and a stag engraved along with floral motifs on the buttplate tang. It is
mounted with a very finely figured and checkered buttstock, which is fitted
within the previously mentioned “skeleton”. Generally speaking, harpoon guns
of this era received quite plain, working gun finishes, with the purpose of this
elaborately engraved, deluxe example remaining unknown.
CONDITION: Very good, with most of the iron showing a mottled grey and
brown patina, restored blue finish on the repaired hammer, some light pitting
and speckled oxidation, and most of the engraving remaining crisp. The wood
is very fine with a few scattered minor dings and most of the original varnish.
Mechanically excellent. A massive and ornate Scottish whaling gun that would
make for a fantastic, eye-catching conversation piece!
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection;
The Thomas Prudente Collection; A Private Collection.
Estimate: 15,000 - 22,500