6054

America, Mid-19th Century

EXCEPTIONAL SCRIMSHAW WHALE IVORY, SHELL AND BALEEN FOUR-TIER THREAD HOLDER

** Photos recently updated.** Three graduated round tiers atop a larger octagonal whalebone base raised on four turned whale ivory feet. Elaborately turned whale ivory yarn cup finial with a shell wafer at the center of the stem. Top two tiers comprised of shell disks supported by shell and whale ivory bases. Third tier with a baleen base carved with sunbursts. Bottom tier with shell panels and molded ivory corners. Tiers separated by turned whale ivory and whalebone columns. Top tier with four removable whale ivory spool holders with decorative tops. Top two tiers each with four whale ivory spires and the bottom tier with eight, the heights of the spires increasing with the diameter of the tiers. Upper two tiers rotate on a concealed whalebone dowel, which can be locked in place with a bone pin on the underside of the base.
Height 9.5". Width 7".
Condition: Generally very good condition with wear commensurate with age and material. Whalebone base panel cracked from age warping. Cup finial with minor roughness and age lines/cracks. Slight deterioration of baleen panels and lifting of whale ivory trim. Possibly some restorations.
**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. 

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

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