“Northwest Eagle Totem” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Geoff Olson. Nice artifact used as an ice axe hundreds of years ago. This really captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest as well as the Alaska coast. This was done in 2009 and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Really like the clean, bold lines by scrimshander. Not a great deal of this type of artifact ivory around today. Excellent opportunity to add a nice piece at 2009 prices to one’s collection.
“Wolf Pack and Caribou ” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by R.L. Sanborn. Well done Alaskan type scene by Sanborn. This is from the collection of a client who is no longer with us. Not familiar with the artist, but the work is well done. Complete tusk polished on both sides.
“Sea Otter and Pup” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Geoff Olson. Mamma otter enjoys an abalone meal while pup watches. Hope she shares something with the little guy. Charming piece created in 1991 by Olson and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Very well done piece at 1991 price.
“Arctic Intruders” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory bark by David Smith. A lone Native hunter stands transfixed by the appearance of a whaler. The whaler has appeared unseen out of the fog, although the hunter could discern voices over the frigid water. Somehow, he had the feeling that nothing would ever be the same. Smith’s stipple work has never been better. Note the way he has left just a small orb of the ivory unworked, giving the impression of a shaft of weak sunlight shining upon the Native hunter. Every outstanding piece tells a story. Masterful!
“Charming Sea Trutle Family” detailed carving by talented unknown carver on ancient walrus tusk ivory. Each flipper on the family is precisely detailed. Beautiful color in the ancient ivory, the results of minerals that have been absorbed over hundreds and hundreds of years. One of the better carvings one will see, especially in this price range.
“Leopard at Rest” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Matt Stothart. Ivory used as a tool hundreds and hundreds of years ago by ancient people. Not sure how it was used, but bears scraping marks on bottom and one ends appears to have been worked as well. Interesting. Leopard appears to be chilling before his next adventure. Nice work by veteran scrimshander, Stothart.
“White tail Fawn” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Orana Tahl. Rare piece by well known Hawaiian scrimshander created in 1981. Ivory used as a net sinker by ancient people in the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds of years ago and is in excellent condition. Mounted on an impressive koa stand with engraved brass nameplate. She was one of the premier scrimshanders in that era and her work is rarely available today as most collectors are loathe to part with such a prize. Excellent opportunity to add an Orana to one’s collection at 1981 prices.
“Tiki Carver at Work” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Robert Sickles. Rare work by Sickles created in 1984 from the collection of a client who is no longer with us. Sickles was influenced by the late Kelly Mulford as can be seen in this masterful work. Mulford was generous with his time and advice and Sickles was a very good student, obviously. Sickles’ work is seldom seen on the open market today as most collectors are loath to part with their prized works by Sickles. Excellent opportunity to add a rare Robert Sickles to one’s collection at 1984 prices.
“Racing Clipper” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Frank Barcelos. Finely detailed work by well known scrimshander, Barcelos. Veteran scrimshander always did nice work, especially with the depiction of clipper ships. Ivory show markings on the sides indicating that it may have been used as a scraping tool or spear point, judging from the shape.
“Humpback Pod and Explorers” color scrimshaw on large piece of ancient walrus tusk ivory created by T.C. Moeller. Not familiar with the artist, but it is quite well done. The intrepid explorers in the outrigger could navigate only by the stars and wave shapes, yet they did things that seem almost impossible today. Broad piece of walrus tusk at the hollow end of the tusk. Probably done in the early to mid 1980s in Hawaii as it is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us.