“Compass Rose Scrimshaw Letter Opener” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by the late David Smith. Done on one of a kind cocobolo handle with inlay of ancient walrus tusk ivory and ancient mammoth tusk ivory. Incredible stipple work by Smith. He was one of the very best scrimshanders working and will be missed.
“Sovereign of the Seas” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Jim Pauls. One of the best black and white nautical scrimshanders of the past four decades, Pauls has worked both sides of this unusual artifact. Cannot really say how the artifact was used, however the scoring marks on both ends are quite interesting. Wish it could tell its history. John McKay designed and built the incredible Sovereign of the Seas, one the the fastest of all of his famous clippers. She set records that remain unbroken to this day for sailing ships. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us and was probably created mid 1970s to mid 1980s. Excellent opportunity to add a first rate Pauls work to one’s collection at 1980s price.
“Returning to Port” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by B. Sutton. After a long voyage she has returned to home port with flags flying. Not familiar with the scrimshander as this is from the collections of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Very clean work on a nice artifact. Ivory used as an ice axe hundreds of years ago in the Northern Bering Sea area. Fine work mounted on a handsome strand and a rare artifact all combine to make this one a very good deal.
“Grizzly Family” created by talented unknown carver on ancient walrus tusk ivory. Grizzly family inside a small cave with their cub. Very well done. Mounted on a cocobolo stand, this would make an excellent addition to any collection.
“Bowhead Whale” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by veteran scrimshander, Gerry Dupont. Excellent choice of subject matter for this horizontal tooth. Dupont always does first rate work.
“Bald Eagle’s Domain ” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Brad Aumick. Perched bald eagle surveys his domain. Created some 20-30 years ago, this is from the collection on one of our clients who is no longer with us. He acquired this on a trip to Alaska years and years ago. Aumick was a well thought of West Coast scrimshander who was quite versatile as far as subject matter went. This is an extremely heavy piece of ivory weighing in at 2 lbs., 11 ounces! That includes the stand, but all of the weight is in the ivory itself. A fine addition to any scrimshaw collection.
“Clipper Departs Dock” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Salman Rashidi. Fine detail with the buildings and masts in the background. Quite a bit going on in this walrus shard. Rashidi’s work was always tight. Handsome cocobolo stand accented with mammoth ivory completes the picture.
“Fearsome Three Toed Dragon” highly detailed carving by talented unknown carver on ancient walrus tusk ivory. Impressive work here with very thin threads of dragon precisely carved. Nice color in the ancient walrus tusk ivory. Carved cocobolo stand completes the picture.
“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.
“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.