6164

America, Mid-19th Century

POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH WITH HARBOR AND WHALING SCENES

Obverse depicts a panoramic harbor scene, possibly Newport, Rhode Island, with a fort, a lighthouse on a peninsula, and several sailing vessels. The fort, possibly Fort Adams, is flying a large American flag from the battlement, has high stone walls and two levels of cannons in crenelles. The masts of three vessels are visible from their position on the far side of the peninsula: a two-masted brig flying a U.S. Navy pennant, a schooner flying a large American flag, and a distant gaff-rigged schooner. A full-rigged ship with false gunports, flying an ensign, a long streamer and an American flag, enters the harbor at the far right. Reverse with an active whaling scene of two whaleships, six whaleboats in the water and five whales. Scattered red coloring in the water.
Length 5.75". With lucite stand.
Condition: **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. **
Base of tooth cut nearly to solid ivory. No significant wear or damages noted.


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:
    Jeffrey and Francine Cohen Collection, Richard A. Bourne Company, Hyannis, Massachusetts, July 31, 1989, Lot #79. Illustrated in color in the auction catalog, p. 36 and 37.

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August 8, 2024 9:30 AM EDT
East Dennis, MA, US

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