120

First Half of the 19th Century

POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH BY THE BANKNOTE ENGRAVER

Obverse depicts a naval battle between an American-flagged ship and a dismasted red-flagged ship, believed to be the 1812 battle between the U.S.S. Constitution and the H.M.S. Guerriere. American flags colored red and blue. Both ships flying long red pennants. Masts, gunports and some rigging elements very deeply incised. Reverse with an oval bust portrait of a woman framed by a finely detailed feathery border, a hallmark of the Banknote Engraver's work. Similarly detailed foliate, pique and geometric borders wrap around the circumference of the base and the tip.
Length 6".
Condition: This item is not available for international delivery without CITES and other necessary permits. Obtaining these permits is the sole obligation of the buyer. Please be aware of current international and domestic regulations and bid accordingly.

  • Provenance: The obverse image appears to be derived from Abel Bowen's Naval Monument, a popular volume of source material for scrimshanders. The portrait on the reverse and its surrounding border is nearly identical to that on another Banknote Engraver tooth illustrated in Ingenious Contrivances, Curiously Carved by Stuart M. Frank (Boston: David R. Godine, 2012), fig. 3.12a.

Shipping Options

Invaluable Shipping

  • Expert Care packing and Shipping
  • Shipment Protection
  • Real-time tracking

Arrange your own

  • You will coordinate with us to arrange your own shipping

Local pickup

  • You will coordinate with us and arrange pick up time after payment.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

April 29, 2021 9:30 AM EDT
East Dennis, MA, US

Eldred's

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $499,999:
25.00%
$500,000+:
10.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000