Ancient Walrus Jawbone Carving – Frogs and Tadpoles

Unknown Artist - Fossil Walrus Jawbone Carving - Frogs and Tadpoles - Scrimshaw Collector

Ancient Walrus Jawbone Carving – Frogs and Tadpoles created by unknown artist. Very nice work on this jawbone. The nice color is the result of minerals that were absorbed into the ivory as it was buried for hundreds and hundreds of years. Excellent price on this one.

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This is ancient walrus tusk jawbone found in the Northern Bering Sea area. The material is 500-1500 years old and is occasionally found in ancient Eskimo camp and hunting sites. The marvelous colors are the result of minerals that have been absorbed into the jawbone over hundreds and hundreds of years. Obviously this material cannot be replenished, making it quite collectible and valuable.

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Sovereign of the Seas

Jim Pauls Scrimshaw - Sovereign of the Seas

“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.

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Returning to Port

B. Sutton Scrimshaw - Returning to Port

“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.

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Grizzly Family

Unknown Carver - Grizzly Family

“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.

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Bald Eagle and Totem

Charles Emerson Scrimshaw - Bald Eagle and Totem

“Bald Eagle and Totem” mainly black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Charles Emerson. This was created some 25-30 years ago and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. He acquired this stunning work on a visit to Alaska years and years ago. Emerson was a West Coast scrimshander who was excellent with Pacific Northwest scenes. Note just a touch of color in the bald eagle’s beak and eyes as well as the brown tree branch. Nice touch.

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Bald Eagle’s Domain

Brad Aumick Scrimshaw - Bald Eagle's Domain

“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.

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Whaler Towing Out

Jim Pauls Scrimshaw - Whaler Towing Out

“Whaler Towing Out” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Jim Pauls. Rare piece from one of our clients who is no longer with us. The collector acquired this gem some 25 years ago. This is Jim Pauls work at his very best. Not a great deal of this ivory around anymore. Note how smooth the back side is: the result of rolling around on the beach and having the pebbles smooth down the outer surface of the tusk. However, just the right amount was “sanded off”. Pauls has combined many of his favorite subjects in one masterpiece. Whaler being towed out in flat seas, wharf dweller and his dog, seagulls (of course), man in dory and a detailed stern view of docked ship. Everything works with this one. Very heavy tusk (1 lb., 11.8 oz.) mounted on a classic strand by the late Ken Fredricks.

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Bark Schooner Barkentine Portraits

Gerry Dupont Scrimshaw - Bark Schooner Barkentine Portraits- Scrimshaw Collector

“Bark Schooner Barkentine Portraits” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Gerry Dupont. Ivory used as a handle to pull things across the ice. Note the shape and the markings in the middle of the piece on the back side. Award winning scrimshander, Dupont, has done a masterful job on this rare. piece of ivory. Not a great deal of this type of ivory around today. Great value here, by the way.

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Clipper Departs Dock

Salman Rashidi Scrimshaw - Clipper Departs Dock

“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.

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Fearsome Three Toed Dragon

Unknown Carver - Fearsome Three Toed Dragon

“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.

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