6016

Circa 1845

POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH KNOWN AS "THE BETHEL TOOTH"

Obverse depicts a seaman's bethel flanked by trees and a fence and flying a boldly emblazoned "BL" flag from the clock tower. Below is a three-quarter stern portrait of a three-masted ship at sea, flying an American flag at the stern and a "Bethl" [sic] flag from the mainmast. Reverse with a peacock, two floral urns, and an open hymnal on a lectern or organ. Rich patina.
Length 7.5".
Condition: Normal uneven base and scattered age lines.
**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:
    The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Miklos.

    Notes:
    This tooth is nearly identical to one from the Barbara Johnson Whaling Collection, sold at Sotheby's New York, December 16-17, 1983, Lot #282.

    The building seen here, with the steeple, clock tower, fence and trees, bears similarities to the Fort Street Church in Honolulu, an offshoot of the port's Seamen's Bethel Chapel. In 1832 the American Seamen's Friend Society of New York sent the Rev. John Diell to Hawai'i as its first chaplain to the port of Honolulu, to minister to sailors from whaling and trade ships. There he constructed a two-story chapel on what is now known as Bethel Street.

    Throughout the 1840s and into the early 1850s, more than 400 ships visited the port each whaling season, bringing with them thousands of men who worshiped at the chapel. The services also attracted a number of English-speaking townspeople, who organized themselves as O'ahu Bethel Church. As the number of ship calls and congregants increased, there grew a need for a separate church. In 1852 some O'ahu Bethel members left to form what became Fort Street Church, later renamed Central Union Church. (See imagesofoldhawaii.com).

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

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