310 FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES. [40] 



Toggle-iron. 



Toggle-iron with, loop twisted in the shank by the actions of a 

 wounded whale. Head, malleable cast iron; shank, wrought 

 iron. Length, 30f inches. New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1882. 

 56248. Gift of Aiken & Swift. (Manufactured by Luther 

 Cole, Fairhaven, Massachusetts.) 



Grommet-iron. 



Head consists of a mortised steel toggle, with a smooth point and 

 a barb or fluke at the rear extremity ; shank, wrought iron ; 

 socket served with marline and with an eye-splice for bending 

 on the whale-line ; two rope grommets for holding the toggle 

 in position when darted. Length, 26 inches. New Bedford, 

 Massachusetts, 1882. 56256. Gift of Messrs. L. & W. B, Wing & 

 Co. A kind of iron known as the " grommet-iron ; " may be 

 used in striking the walrus, but not used at present in captur- 

 ing the whale. 



Grommet-iron. 



Head, toggle with diamond point, wrought iron, held in position when 

 darted by an iron link or "grommet;" shank, wrought iron; 

 socket wound with marline, around which the iron-strap is 

 fastened. Length, 26£ inches. New Bedford, Massachusetts, 

 1882. 56268. Gift of John McCullough. A kind of harpoon 

 manufactured at an early date and known as the " grommet- 

 iron" from the fact that its barb or toggle was confined to the 

 shank with a " grommet" instead of a small wooden pin, which 

 latter is now in general use. None of the irons of this char- 

 acter are used at present. They have been used in striking the 

 whale or walrus, being better adapted for the latter on account 

 of the short shank and small head. 



Toggle-iron. 



Head and portion of shank of common toggle-iron. Toggle pivoted 

 to shank. Length, 9f inches. 56404. Gift of A. B. Crittenden. 



Toggle-iron. 



Head and portion of shank of common toggle-iron. Toggle, mal- 

 leable cast iron. Length, 6| inches. 56405. Gift of A. R. Crit- 

 tenden. 



Toggle-iron. 



Head and portion of shank of toggle-iron. Evidently a kind of 

 lily -iron intended to be used for striking the sword-fish or por- 

 poise. Toggle with double diamond point; slotted and hinged 

 at center to end of shank. Shank, wrought iron. Length, 10£ 

 inches. 56406. Gift of A. B. Crittenden. 



