4705

America, Circa 1850

RARE AND POSSIBLY UNIQUE WHALEBONE BALANCE SCALE

Fancily carved whalebone crossbeam mortised into turned whalebone dowels that suspend copper pans from three cords. Handmade iron hook. Displayed on a contemporary base. Includes set of weights.
Height on stand 17.75". Width of beam 15.5". Width of stand 19".
Condition: Generally well-preserved with typical signs of wear. Strings restored many years ago, as noted. Copper pans with some verdigris. Base with spaces for seven weights but only six are present.
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. 

  • Provenance:
    The Edwin F. Eldredge Whaling Museum, Chatham, Massachusetts.
    Barbara Johnson Whaling Collection, Sotheby's New York, December 16-17, 1983, Lot #634.
    The catalog states "This scale was found in California and was said to have been made by a whaler who deserted to join the gold rush of 1848. The string fittings have been restored.".
    The Kobacker Scrimshaw Collection.
    Eldred's,The Marine Sale, July 19, 2018, Lot #31.

    Illustrated:
    Wandering Whalemen and Their Art: A Collection of Scrimshaw Masterpieces by Alan Granby (Hyannis Port, Mass.:, 2021), p. 233, fig. 13.31.

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

February 28, 2024 9:30 AM EST
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:
26.00%
$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