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$2,895.00
Original U.S. War of 1812 Era Scrimshaw Whaletooth with George Washington & Widow Theme—
$2,895.00
The Story
Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. Scrimshaw is scrollwork, engravings, and carvings done in bone or ivory. Typically it refers to the artwork created by whalers, engraved on the byproducts of whales, such as bones or cartilage. It is most commonly made out of the bones and teeth of sperm whales, the baleen of other whales, and the tusks of walruses.
It takes the form of elaborate engravings in the form of pictures and lettering on the surface of the bone or tooth, with the engraving highlighted using a pigment, or, less often, small sculptures made from the same material. However, the latter really fall into the categories of ivory carving, for all carved teeth and tusks, or bone carving. The making of scrimshaw probably began on whaling ships in the late 18th century and survived until the ban on commercial whaling.
This is a remarkable piece of Scrimshaw, which we believe to be depicting George Washington in his role as the Commander of the Continental Army. He stands with one hand on his horse and another wearing, waiting patiently for him, with an American flag, tent, and cannon in the foreground. There is a sword attached to his belt, and spurs on his boots. His horse is looking back towards him with his right front foot raised. The scrimshaw continues around to the other side with the depiction of a young lady seated beneath a tree in front of a funerary urn, holding a handkerchief over her face, indicative of a widow. This is a phenomenal piece of symbolism showing both sides of war, the war itself and the cost.Â
The detailing of the woman is quite tremendous, with her dress fully adorned by flowers, her handkerchief entirely adorned with flowers, with a flower in her hand as well. The pedestal in front of her has a funerary urn atop it, and she weeps for her fallen husband.
The whaletooth measures roughly 5⅜ x 2⅝ x 1¾” and appears to have some old damage at the base, with some material loss. The weight and shape is entirely correct on this example, and we have no doubts about its authenticity.
This is a phenomenal piece, ready to become the centerpiece of any Early America collection.
Â
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. Scrimshaw is scrollwork, engravings, and carvings done in bone or ivory. Typically it refers to the artwork created by whalers, engraved on the byproducts of whales, such as bones or cartilage. It is most commonly made out of the bones and teeth of sperm whales, the baleen of other whales, and the tusks of walruses.
It takes the form of elaborate engravings in the form of pictures and lettering on the surface of the bone or tooth, with the engraving highlighted using a pigment, or, less often, small sculptures made from the same material. However, the latter really fall into the categories of ivory carving, for all carved teeth and tusks, or bone carving. The making of scrimshaw probably began on whaling ships in the late 18th century and survived until the ban on commercial whaling.
This is a remarkable piece of Scrimshaw, which we believe to be depicting George Washington in his role as the Commander of the Continental Army. He stands with one hand on his horse and another wearing, waiting patiently for him, with an American flag, tent, and cannon in the foreground. There is a sword attached to his belt, and spurs on his boots. His horse is looking back towards him with his right front foot raised. The scrimshaw continues around to the other side with the depiction of a young lady seated beneath a tree in front of a funerary urn, holding a handkerchief over her face, indicative of a widow. This is a phenomenal piece of symbolism showing both sides of war, the war itself and the cost.Â
The detailing of the woman is quite tremendous, with her dress fully adorned by flowers, her handkerchief entirely adorned with flowers, with a flower in her hand as well. The pedestal in front of her has a funerary urn atop it, and she weeps for her fallen husband.
The whaletooth measures roughly 5⅜ x 2⅝ x 1¾” and appears to have some old damage at the base, with some material loss. The weight and shape is entirely correct on this example, and we have no doubts about its authenticity.
This is a phenomenal piece, ready to become the centerpiece of any Early America collection.
Â
