3062

Circa 1830s

SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH BY THE BRITANNIA ENGRAVER

Depicts a merchant brig under full sail, flying a British ensign off the stern, with a fortress at right showing a smokestack, four batteries and what is possibly a central cannon. The continuous undulating lines used for the sea and the deeply incised gun ports and hull are consistent with other work by the Britannia Engraver. Tooth probably from a very old bull sperm whale, worn down in height and with visible root structure.
Length 4". Includes wood stand.
Condition: **Not available for international shipping.**

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: Notes:
    Accompanied by correspondence dated 2002 between William J. Boylhart and Dr. Stuart M. Frank, Senior Curator of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, stating the work is that of Edward Burdett of Nantucket. Later scholarship has re-attributed a significant amount of work from Burdett to the otherwise anonymous Britannia Engraver. Boylhart writes he thinks this tooth, given its size, was possibly intended to use as a knife handle, and that it is possibly unfinished. His letter also indicates the tooth was acquired at a flea market in northern England around 1986.

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August 4, 2022 9:30 AM EDT
East Dennis, MA, US

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