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Mid-19th Century

POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH ATTRIBUTED TO THE STAR ENGRAVER

Two flowering vines arch above two facing birds perched on a branch. A five-pointed star above a shield emblazoned with five-pointed stars and red stripes below. The stars have shaded blades and open pentagonal centers, characteristic of the Star Engraver. Warm patina.
Length 4.5".
Condition: Undecorated reverse with gouges near base, not impacting tooth's decoration. Base cut flat. Generally very well preserved.

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  • Provenance: A Third Dictionary of Scrimshaw Artists by Stuart M. Frank (Mystic, Ct.: Stuart M. Frank and Mystic Seaport Museum, 2013), p. 269, very little is known about the Star Engraver, who acquired the moniker because of the distinctive five-pointed stars seen on the artist's known work. Five Star Engraver teeth are part of the Nantucket Historical Association collection, seen in Scrimshaw on Nantucket: The Collection of the Nantucket Historical Association by Stuart M. Frank (Nantucket, Mass.: The Nantucket Historical Association, 2019), p. 60-61, 94-95, 100-101 and 110-111. Other teeth attributed to the Star Engraver have sold at Eldred's, July 19, 2013, Lot #623, from a private Australian collection, and July 25, 2019, Lots #113 and #114, from the collection of Paul Vardeman. In addition to the star motif, the pieces tend to be patriotic in nature and have leafy flowering vines similar to those seen here.

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We require prompt payment and removal of your purchases as stated in Paragraph 12 of the Conditions of Sale. If you plan to pick up your purchases, please call ahead and we'll make every effort to have your items ready. Our physical address is 1483 Route 6A, East Dennis, MA. Pick up of smaller items at our Mystic, CT location is also available with advance notice.
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COLLECTION OF PURCHASES: Delivery or shipping arrangements must be made within seven (7) days from the close of the auction for all purchases. All items must be removed from Eldred's facilities within fourteen (14) days of the end of the auction. All items remaining after fourteen days may be subject to a $15/per item/per day storage fee. No items will be released unless storage fees are paid in full. Items remaining over thirty (30) days from the close of the auction may be sold for the buyer's account minus auction and storage fees.

February 24, 2022 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

Eldred's

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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