SHOTGUN, Webley & Scott

improve accuracy. It was then used by CSIRO to shoot numbered darts at sperm and humpbacked whales as part of a survey of whale numbers between ca 1960-78. John Bannister headed the sperm whale survey and Dr G Chittleborough, the humpbacks. This International Whale Marking Scheme was co-ordinated by the National Institute of Oceanography (Discovery Investigation), British Museum. The whales were "shot" with a numbered dart by CSIRO Tech Off Kitchener Godfrey. Later, when the whale was killed by hunters the dart was recovered and the movement data etc was sent to the UK then back to CSIRO Div of Fisheries and Oceanography. Each of the 12 guns used were kept in protective wooden boxes with the appropriate cleaning oil and equipment. Gun marked on both sides of action "WEBLEY & SCOTT LTD / BIRMINGHAM" Marked on buttplate "WEBLEY", all metal parts of gun marked "CSIRO". Box marked "CSIRO (FISHERIES) / UNIVERSITY / NEDLANDS WA 72269" 2x darts marked "S20279 Reward for Return to Discovery / British Museum (Nat History) London S20279", other dart No S20379,are in the gun box. A quantity of these (low power) darts are in a wooden CSIRO box in the AS. The darts were propelled by a blank black powder 12g cartridge, fixed to the end of the dart which was loaded complete in to the breech of the gun for firing. The low power, or normal charge was a paper cartridge fixed to the shaft by having the mouth of the cartridge crimped into a single annular ring. The extra power charge was a brass "Fiocci" case crimped onto three annular rings. All darts, cartridges and modifications to guns were provided by the well known old British gun firm of Holland and Holland, the paper cartridges being marked with their name. Serial No. 72269 Proof Marks Birmingham proofs Accessories Box, pullthrough,2x darts. Modifications Rifle sighs fitted. Bore Smooth Barrel Shape Round Sights Blade fore, vee rear. Calibre 12 gauge Charge/Projectile Smokeless blank / dart Ignition Centre fire Action Boxlock single shot Previous Registration .................

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