“Earl Cairns Crewmen” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Martin Bandy. The Earl Cairns was a three masted schooner of Bideford built in 1883. These are serious looking crewmen, probably all of Irish descent. Martin Bandy, who passed away years ago, was considered one of the very best black and white scrimshanders of his era. This was created in 1980. His style and choice of subject matter was both original and unique. Rarely does a Bandy work become available on the open market today as most collectors prize their Bandy pieces and are reticent to part with them. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Rare opportunity to add a first rate Martin Bandy work to your collection at 1980s prices.
“Hunting Departure” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Smith. The departing hunter wistfully glances back at his mate and child. She has a stoic look, but is apprehensive knowing the dangers of the Arctic weather. Smith’s signature stipple style of scrimshaw is perfect for this artifact. Love the detail of the icy mountains on the horizon as well as the beautifully braided hair of the woman and the contented look of the baby. Ivory used as a net sinker and fire starter hundreds of years ago. Museum quality work here, folks.
“Clash of the Cats” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk by David Adams. Five absolutely stunning panels depicting the power and beauty of Bengal tigers. Each one of these panels would be an incredible stand alone work by itself, but combined on one complete walrus tusk make this one extra, extra special. One really has to study this very closely. The three scenes with water are exceptional. The turmoil of the above water clash, matched with the amazing underwater scene is in a class by itself. There is a tremendous amount of work in this one. This the the work of an artist at his very best. Obviously, Adams did not begin his scrimshaw work on this level, but after several decades of constantly working and evolving, he has reached a level that few artists ever achieve in the scrimshaw world. It stands with the best ever done. Yes, it is that good.
“Great Blue Heron” (Ardea herodias) color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Adams. Love the composition of this beautiful work by Adams. The ancient walrus tusk was split down the middle at some time in the past and Adams picked up on the sharp, pointed end as inspiration for the spear like beak of the blue heron. Brilliant. The complex stipple work in the background is simply amazing as well. The Bolivian rosewood stand itself is another work of art. In fact, everything works together in this one. Really like it.
Color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Gary Williams. Outstanding work by one of the most versatile scrimshanders working today. Known for his thoughtful portraits, Williams is just as strong with wildlife and even fantasy. this guy can do it all. Strong portrait captures the spirit of strong people. Incredible inlay on the name plate by Cash. This beautiful work is from one of our long time collectors who is no longer with us. Nice work at a great price.
“Elegant Giraffe” color scrimshaw on pre-ban African Ivory tip by Gary Williams. Inspired choice of subject matter for this shape of ivory. Nice effect of leaving the background sky area unworked so one’s attention is drawn to the giraffe, not elsewhere. Note the subtle shading from left to right of the sun’s rays. Nice touch. This stand is a work of art i n itself with the precision inlay of the ancient walrus tusk ivory. Very well done piece.
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.
“Balclutha in Heavy Seas” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Chris Lehwalder. Famed ship, Balclutha, is shown in heavy weather with topsails furled. Excellent work by Lehwalder, one of the very berst color nautical scrimshanders ever. Interesting artifact. Not really sure just exactly how it was used, but bears scoring marks on bottom.
- Balclutha is a three-masted, steel-hulled, square-rigged ship built to carry a variety of cargo all over the world.
- Launched in 1886 by the Charles Connell and Company shipyard near Glasgow, Scotland, the ship carried goods around Cape Horn (tip of South America) 17 times.
- It took a crew of about 26 men to handle the ship at sea with her complex rigging and 25 sails.
“Majestic Snowy Owl” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by the late Kelly Mulford. Known to be one of the very best scrimshanders of his era, Mulford had a soft spot for birds of all types. The snowy owl depicted here is a fine example of his work. Done in 19983, it is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. This is one of the heaviest owls as they have a great amount of feathers in order to keep warm. Even their feet are protected by feathers. The snowy owl was the favorite pet of Harry Potter, so it must have special powers. The artifact, between 500-1500 years old, was used as a fire starter. Excellent opportunity to add a first rate Mulford to your collection at 1983 prices.
“Perched Peregrine Falcon” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by the late Kelly Mulford. Everything works together in this vintage Kelly Mulford work. Note how the shades of the falcon match the tones in the fossil ivory as well as the fall foliage leaves. Mulford was great at composition and never just “filled up the ivory”. Even the bubinga and mammoth ivory base compliment the work. Mulford created this gem in 1982 and it is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Bargain 1982 price on this one.
“Rocky Mountain Goat” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Heidi Robichaud. Nice family portrait of nannie mountain goat and kid. Incredible work by Robichaud of using the natural color and tones of the ivory in her subject matter. Note how the snow pack on the right turns into brush and the natural materials on the left side of the tusk resemble spots of unmelted spring snow. She created this outstanding piece in 1984 and it is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Ivory was used as an ice axe by natives of the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds of years ago. By the way, mountains goats are not in the same genus as goats and are associated with gazelles and antelopes. Great piece!