Summer eel spear or eel gig

[Timothy Miller]

A recent yard sale find. A little piece of Long Island history here in iron. This is an summer eel spear or eel gig forged in the Fordham Blacksmith shop in Sag Harbor by J.W. Fordham. It is from the late 19th century they made eel spears and other fishing gear form the 1820's up until the early 20th century. There tools are known by the distinctive rolled socket. These are rare and collectable. Winter eel spears look different they have hooks not barbs. You can see in the last photo that the tines are held in the mortise with a wedge that is riveted in place.

[Frosty]

That is a distinctive spear, cool find.

 

Frosty The Lucky.