An exceptional quality Shoulder Whaling Bomb Lance Gun by William Lewis of New Bedford, this variation of the Cunningham Shoulder Gun was warranted to be the best ever available, made specifically to withstand the harsh environment of whaling in the Arctic. Signed on the cast brass breech lock with the maker's name and homer of New Bedford, this whaling implement came back to America after being used by European whalers.
When made, this Lewis gun was cast, but the barrel is drawn brass, making it more costly but preventing the barrel from possibly bursting, which cast ones were known to do on instance. The weight of the whaling firearm was at 20 pounds heavy yet well-balanced, aiding in its use. The breech block is hinged, and the hammer is set to full cock to load the lance. Then, setting the hammer to half-cock, the breech block is closed and latched. Reset the hammer to full and the hunting weapon is ready to fire.
The gun measures 36 inches in length with a standard 7/8 inch bore. This style of Whaling Bomb Lance Gun was specifically advertised in Lewis' own "Illustrated Catalogue of Whaling Utensils", circa 1896. Special note to the aforementioned drawn brass barrel and the particular attention paid to the make of the hammer to prevent any breakage. A top quality whaling gun.
