6022

Mid-19th Century

C.G. TOUSEY SIGNED SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH

Obverse, titled "Virginia Water", depicts the lake in Virginia Water, England, with the Chinese Fishing Temple at right and three large sailing vessels and several smaller vessels on the lake. The larger vessels are probably a remembrance of Tousey's time at sea as the lake is landlocked and would not support vessels of this size. Reverse, titled "Harbor and Town of Muscat in Arabia", depicts a highly detailed harbor scene with boats, a large sailing ship and distant buildings. Rays of sunlight emanate over a cliff at left of harbor. One edge with a small vignette depicting a two-masted sailing ship, a rowboat and a sailing dory. Signed on tip "C.G. Tousey. Sc".
Length 7.25".
Condition: Age line, mostly unobtrusive, extending from base through most of obverse. Shorter age line/crack on reverse. Typical small chips at base and scattered age lines. Some small spots of discoloration.
**This item contains animal and/or plant material and is not available for international delivery without CITES and other necessary permits, licenses, and certificates. Obtaining the appropriate documentation is the sole obligation of the buyer. Eldred's is not able to assist with obtaining the appropriate documentation, and we offer no assurances that the documentation can be obtained. Please be aware of current international, domestic and your own local regulations and bid accordingly.**


The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance:
    Eldred's, The Marine Sale, July 19-20, 2018, Lot #148.
    The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Miklos.

    Notes:
    This tooth is by the same hand as one from the Kobacker Scrimshaw Collection, sold at Eldred's, the Fall Americana Auction, November 16, 2017, Lot #47, and another example sold at Eldred's Fall Marine Sale, November 15, 2018, Lot #137.

    According to Biographical Dictionary of Scrimshaw Artists by Stuart M. Frank (2018), Charles G. Tousey was born in Burlington, Vermont, but grew up primarily in Newtown, Connecticut. He was issued a Seaman's Protection paper in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1836, at age 28, and his whaling voyages, currently unidentified, were probably on Rhode Island ships. Later on, he worked as a saddler in Connecticut and had six children. He died in 1880.

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March 3, 2026 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

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