An Improved Automatic Gaff Hook.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Aug., 1896-Accepted. 3rd Oct., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Automatic Gaff Hook.
I, RICHARD RIDEOUT BEARD of Ravenhurst Works, Bradford Street, City of
Birmingham in the County of Warwick, Manufacturer do hereby declare the
nature of this invention which has been communicated to me by Charles Imbrie
of No. 18 Vesy Street, New York City, America aud in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:-
This invention relates as hereinafter described to an improved automatic gaff
hook, and has for its object the production of a device simple and efficient in its
action and safety in handling. My invention consists essentially of a gaff hook
provided with a frame piece and link or lever connected to a secondary or striking
hook arranged in a manner whereby the hauling in of a fish causes it to turn on its
joint and the secondary hook to be struck further into the fish. I will describe my
invention by reference to the accompanying drawings the same letters of reference.
indicating similar parts throughout.
Figures and 2 illustrate in side elevation and plan respectively a gaff hook
constructed in accordance with my invention the parts being shewn in position for
hauling in a fish.
Figure 3 illustrates in side elevation the gaff hook reversed in position after the
secondary hook has made its stroke the weight of the pull having caused the hook
to enter further into the fish.
A represents a frame piece and the shank for attaching to a rod, the said frame
projecting at right angles at H, B is the primary hook and E the secondary or
striking hook and F a connecting link. The primary hook B is secured by a
pivot G to the frame A the secondary hook E being connected by a pivot I to the
primary B, the link F is pivoted at J to the projection H and at K to the secondary
hook in a manner whereby the joints will co-operate in seizing a fish.
In using my improved gaff hook it is first put in position as shewn in Figures 1
and 2 of the drawings and then passed down over the fish so that the same is
enclosed between the primary hook B and secondary hook E. By a quick
movement of the shank A it is struck against the fish causing the primary hook B
to be thrown back into the position shewn in Figure 3 whereby the two hooks
seize the fish. The primary hook will now be turned further on its pivot under
the weight of pull of the fish and the secondary hook struck into the fish which
may now be landed safely for the more resistance it offers the more the secondary
hook will be struck inward.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. An improved automatic gaff hook substantially as described and illustrated
in Figures 1, 2 and 3, of the accompanying drawings and for the purpose set
forth.
2. In the improved automatic gaff hook consisting of the frame piece A to which
s pivoted the primary hook B to which is also pivoted the secondary or striking

page_text: hook E to which is pivoted the link F, likewise pivoted at J co-operating in
combination substantially as described and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 8th day of August 1896.
WILLIAM HENRY BARACLOUGH,
36 Temple Street, Birmingham, Agent for the Applicant.