Melville (1819 – 1891)

Black and white scrimshaw on pre-ban African ivory by David Smith. It simply does not get more precise than this one. Smith’s portraits are prized by knowledgeable collectors worldwide. His stipple work on this is outstanding. This would be difficult to create if one were working on paper, but to engrave, etch into the ivory without making a mistake makes it even more astounding. By the way, check out the stand with turned ivory securing the cross cut. Magnificent all the way around!

Notice:
This scrimshaw is done on pre-ban African ivory. Since the passage of the CITIES Treaty in 1973, there has been no African ivory brought into the U.S. However, ivory that was in the U.S. prior to 1973 can be legally sold and shipped within the U.S. However, new legislation taking effect in 2016 restricts pre-ban African Ivory from being shipped interstate. It can only legally be shipped intrastate, (within the state). All of our pre-ban ivory is located with our associate in the state of Florida. It can be purchased directly from our website and shipped only to an address within the state of Florida. If one has a relative, trusted friend or business associate within the state of Florida, we can ship to that specified address in order to comply with the new Federal legislation. The scrimshaw can then be forwarded it to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions email or call us.