4295

19th Century

POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WALRUS TUSK WITH PATRIOTIC MOTIFS AND FIGURAL PORTRAITS

Initialed in cartouche at base of reverse "DPS". Obverse with a bust portrait of George Washington; a scene of angels on the dock, titled in banner below "Agriculture Commerce Arts Literature"; a city square scene with a monumental sculpture of a man on a rearing horse, probably Napoleon; an oversize peacock in a garden; Liberty holding aloft an American flag while riding on the back of an eagle; and a large monument topped with an angel on horseback and extensively embellished with cherubs, horses, classical maidens, a double-headed eagle, etc. Reverse with a scene of a woman mourning at a monument beneath a weeping willow; two three-quarter-length portraits of woman, one balancing a basket atop her head; and a scene of close combat between two men, one grasping a billowing American flag, while a fallen soldier is at their feet. Serrated border at base wraps around circumference.
Length 24.5".
Condition: Pierced hole at tip. Typical age lines. Uneven patina. Sizable indentation in area of peacock scene is polished smooth and not believed to be damage; either the indentation is naturally occurring or the scrimshander polished out a divot during the making.
**This item is not available for international delivery. Please be aware of your local regulations regarding the sale of marine mammal parts 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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February 28, 2023 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

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