“Great Horned Owlets” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory bark by David Adams. These fuzzy pair look like they will soon take flight. The window polished into the ivory bark provides a perfect natural frame for Adams’ exceptional scrimshaw. Great Horned Owl young remain in the nest for about six weeks, then climb out onto nearby branches. They begin taking short flights at seven weeks, and can fly well at 9-10 weeks.
“Call of the Mammoth” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Adams. Leader of the herd trumpets a call to everyone around, not only other mammoths, but to potential predators. Excellent work by outstanding scrimshander, Adams. Leaving the outer bark intact provides a perfect frame of sorts for this artwork.
“Scrimshaw Globe on Ivory Cue Ball” scrimshaw by David Adams. Very large cue ball perfect for a rare Adams piece. Done years ago, this is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Mounted on a handsome stand by the late Ken Fredericks, pieces of this caliber are seldom seen today.
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.
“Majestic Big Horn Sheep” color scrimshaw on flat slab of ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. This is hands down one of the very best wildlife pieces we have ever had, and that includes hundreds and hundreds of fine pieces by the best working over the past 40 years. This one ranks right up there with the very best Dorning pieces (not his production work), but the very top end pieces. That being said, take some time to study this masterpiece by Adams. Note the hazy mountains in the background, and, yes, a river runs through it. Everyone who has seen it in person feels the same way about this one (WOW!). The stand of bloodwood and curly maple is angled properly and compliments the work perfectly. Very few like this become available today.
“Whaleboats Putting Out” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Adams. Not the usual whaling scene here. Adams always likes to see things from a different perspective as can be seen in this gem. Really like the way he uses shadows around the whaler. This tusk was probably used an an ice axe hundreds of years ago in the Northern Bering Sea area. A fine addition to any scrimshaw collection created by one of the best working today.
“Naval Battle Commences” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Adams. Calm seas as a French battle squadron engages enemy vessels. Obviously, the smoke from the cannons and fires onboard the ships will soon hinder sight on both sides. This is an artifact piece used as an ice axe hundreds of years ago in the Northern Bering Sea area. Heavy piece weighing 1 lb., 9 oz.! Not a great deal of this caliber around today. Handsome bubinga stand completes the picture.
“Smiling Mermaid” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Adams. Nestled in shadows, this mermaid seems quite pleased. One wonders just what caused this pleasant smile on her charming face. Every piece can tell a story with just a little imagination. This is done on a stunning artifact used as a scraping tool hundreds of years ago by natives in the Northern Bering Sea area. Not much of this type of ivory available today.
“Pensive Blonde Mermaid” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Adams. One wonders just what is going through this attractive mermaid’s mind. She definitely has a plan. Approaching mariners beware. Amazing detail in the rocky shoreline by equally amazing scrimshander, Adams. He rarely does mermaids these days, so this one is a welcome addition. Ivory probably used as a digging tool hundreds of years ago.
“Pirates on the Run” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. Three armed vessels have a pirate ship on the run. It appears that the pirates will easily outrun the three, as they are seen lagging in the distance. Unusual subject matter for scrimshander, Adams, but he knocks it out of the park. The detail on the prow of the pirate ship is amazing. Note the breaking waves. Very solid piece of mammoth ivory on this one.
“Pirate Ship Battle” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. As night falls, a battle scared pirate ship attempts to outrun a pursuing vessel. Both ships have damage from a previous skirmish and the pirate ship hopes to use the coming darkness to elude their pursuers. The heavy seas will probably help. Adams work on the heavy seas is outstanding as well as the shading of the coming darkness. Love the detail of the jolly roger on the mainsail. Very large piece of mammoth ivory. Not much of this caliber around. Really like this one.