Historical information

Part of collection purchased by the City of Portland in 1990s from Brendon Kurtze (Kurtze's Museum Portland).

“Grains with Five Prongs. GRAIN. An iron instrument with four or more barbed points, and a line attached to it, used at sea for striking and taking fish.” -Whitney, 1911

Physical description

Grain spear used to harpoon dolphins. Iron, painted black gloss, no handle. 3 flat blades on one end of shaft and handle
sleeve on the other.