Whaling  Whalecraft  Whalesite

The term "whalecraft" refers to the various tools and instruments used during the nineteenth century for hunting whales and processing blubber into whale oil. These tools were primarily used by hand on wooden, sail-powered whaling ships that roamed the seas globally. The final whaling expedition in the United States was undertaken by the whaling schooner John R. Manta in 1925, marking the end of the era of hand-harpoon whaling and traditional whalecraft as detailed here.

Collection and Evolution of Whalecraft

This website features an extensive collection of whalecraft, detailing the evolution of harpoons and other whaling tools. It provides information about the craftsmen who designed and made these tools and the whalers who used them. To give a comprehensive view, the site includes illustrations and descriptions of the various whalecraft items and the methods used in the whaling industry.

This is an independent website and not officially associated with the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Several years ago, I authored the book "Harpoons and Other Whalecraft," which was published by the New Bedford Whaling Museum in 1984 and reprinted in 2005. The museum has kindly allowed me to use material from that book on this website. Visitors are encouraged to explore the New Bedford Whaling Museum's official site at https://www.whalingmuseum.org/ or by clicking on the museum's logo on the right. Unless stated otherwise, all photos of whalecraft on this site are courtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, has also permitted the use of information and illustrations they provided for the book. Illustrations credited to the History of Technology Division, NMAH, Smithsonian Institution are used here with their permission.

In addition to the extensive collection of whalecraft showcased on this website, visitors will find detailed accounts of the cultural and historical contexts in which these tools were developed and used. The website aims to serve as a resource for researchers, historians, and students alike, providing insights into the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the whaling industry.

Links to Other Resources

The Links page offers connections to other whaling and maritime museums worldwide. Your suggestions to expand this list are welcome.

When researching the fascinating world of whales, it's helpful to explore various resources that can deepen your understanding of these magnificent creatures. We've compiled a list of recommended links that provide valuable information on whale species, their habitats, and the latest research in marine biology. Whether you're a student, educator, or just someone with a keen interest in marine life, these resources will enhance your knowledge and appreciation of whales.

Purpose

The primary aim of this website is to compile a comprehensive collection of whalecraft and related information for research and educational purposes. Additionally, it seeks to capture and preserve this knowledge before it fades from memory. To achieve this, contributions of relevant information and illustrations from museums, collectors, researchers, students, and historians worldwide are encouraged. The result will be a continually growing collection of whalecraft and related data available for everyone. Whaling was an international endeavor; whaleships frequently met on the high seas, sharing ideas, information, whalecraft designs, and the implements themselves. Thus, the study of whalecraft is incomplete without examples and information from whaling nations worldwide.

Main Menu

To explore, click on a whale stamp for a general topic or choose a specific topic:

	Capturing and processing whales indicating whalecraft used.
	Basic timeline for major whaling events.
	Two flue	Single flue	Toggle	Explosive	Poison

Click on the whale stamp image labeled "Harpoons" for general information, or select a specific topic for detailed information on that harpoon type, including two-flue, single-flue, toggle, explosive, or poison harpoons.

	Non-explosive, Explosive, Poison.
	Boat spades, Cutting-in, Sliver, Throat, Head, Gouge.
	Boarding knives, Mincing knives, Leaning knives.
	Greener Guns, Harpoons and Bomb Lance.
	Shoulder Guns and Bomb Lances.
	Gun Harpoons
	Markings found on whalecraft.
	Whalecraft Patent Records.
	Books on Whaling.
	Whaling and Maritime Museum Internationally.
	What Whalecraft Is and Is Not. (Includes farm tools, fakes, reproductions, and how to identify them)

© Website originally created by Thomas G. Lytle.
Last updated by Tom Tyler, Denver, CO, USA, Jul 27, 2026

Whaling  Whalecraft  Whalesite