28

Circa 1835

SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH ATTRIBUTED TO CERES ARTISAN WILLIAM A. GILPIN

Subtlety inscribed "Elizabeth", the name of Gilpin's wife, within a delicate vine that forms the proscenium arch on the obverse, in an identical fashion to the historically significant tooth signed "W A Gilpin" that connected a name to the formerly anonymous scrimshander "Ceres Artisan A".
Obverse depicts a full-length figure of Hope standing on a rock amidst swelling waves, below a "Honor Justice And Sailor's Rights" banner. An eagle at her right shoulder drinks from a chalice she holds in her left hand, and behind her left shoulder is an American flag on a staff topped by a Phrygian cap. Her patriotic dress has a star shield at the bust and star border at the hem. The scene is framed within a floriform and geometric border topped with the proscenium arch, typical characteristics of Gilpin and other Ceres Artisans. The arch contains a portside portrait of a ship flying a flag, probably an American flag, at the stern. Reverse with a large bow-view portrait of a merchant ship with false gunports and a long pennant flying from the mainmast. A sawtooth and scalloped border encircles the base of the tooth.
Length 6".
Condition: Base cut flat. Some age lines/cracks at base and tip, the longest approx. 2.25" extends from the tip into the work. Base with wooden plug for a stand (stand not included).

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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), pp. 121-124, William A. Gilpin, born in 1805, came from a prominent Wilmington, Delaware family. He is known to have made at least two whaling voyages, including an 1834-1837 voyage aboard the whaleship Ceres.
    The tooth signed by Gilpin within the proscenium arch was sold at Eldred's, The Marine Sale, July 25, 2019, Lot #7.

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

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