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Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
From the collection of Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
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Tool - Shermuly Pistol Rocket Appratus Lifeboat model MarkII, The Shermuly Pistol Rocket Apperatus Ltd

  • A pistol with a large barrel to enable a line throwing rocket to be launched. It has an extra handle for stability during firing.

    Rocket Pistol

Historical information

Used is Lifeboat "Queenscliffe" from 1926 to 1976

Significance

Early example of life saving line throwing mechanism used up to the 1970s.

Physical description

Metal firing mechanism and barrel with bakelite handle

Inscriptions & markings

Shermuly, Patent No. 503324, SPRA,1031

Subjects

References

  • The pistol is based on the Webley & Scott brass flare pistol, with a steel barrel extension to take a rocket that would propel a rope over distance. The rope could be attached to a cable to help transfer people from ship to ship or shore to ship. The system was invented by Alfred James Schermuly around 1920 and is credited with having saved countless lives.
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