POTD: I would Not Trust The Line – Hammond Bulldog Line Thrower
Sam.S 06.08.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a really cool item that I find strange and unlikely. This is a Hammond Bulldog but it is also a line-throwing gun or at least it comes in a line-throwing kit. Line-throwing guns are usually used in maritime operations such as firing a line from one ship to another. Basically, it fires a blank that throws a weighted rod attached to a line. The Hammond Bulldog, a captivating single-shot rimfire pistol chambered in .44 caliber (most were in 44), originated from Naubuc, Connecticut. This intriguing firearm boasted a distinctive rotating breechblock design, showcasing a remarkable potential for a robust action. While there are reports of prototype variations in various calibers, even featuring a carbine iteration equipped with a wire-frame shoulder stock, the predominant production was centered around the .44 caliber rimfire pistols, such as the one presented here.
“Manufactured c. 1866 to the late 1880s. Comes in a factory wooden case with directions for use inside the lid, blank cartridges, line, and two weighted projectiles.
Manufacturer: Connecticut Arms & Manufacturing Co
Model: Bulldog
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 41 RF
Barrel: 4 inch octagon
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip: rosewood”
Lot 4215: Hammond Bulldog Pistol in a Cased Line Throwing Kit – Rare Connecticut Arms & Manufacturing Co. Hammond Bulldog Pistol in a Cased Line Throwing Kit. (n.d.-ak). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved June 6, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1033/4215/hammond-bulldog-pistol-in-a-cased-line-throwing-kit.
