Name/Title
Line Throwing GunEntry/Object ID
2022.2.104.01Description
The Lyle System Line Throwing Gun is a shoulder-fired gun used to fire a lightweight "shot line" (metal projectile) between two boats so that heavier lines could be pulled between the two boats.
The gun is a modified Sharps New Model 1863 percussion carbine in .52-70 caliber. The falling breech (a recess in the receiver raised and lowered by a finger lever under the receiver) is modified to accept a brass cartridge. The barrel has been bored smooth and shortened for use by the U.S. Lifesaving Service.
Line-throwing guns are most often referred to as Lyle Guns, after their inventor David A. Lyle. From the late 19th century to 1952, they were used when rockets replaced them for throwing lines.Location
Building
Lifesaving Station MuseumOhio State Park
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
