4703

19th Century

SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH WITH "TENERIFFE" ISLAND LANDSCAPE

Obverse depicts three ships off the hilly coast of "Teneriffe_", where smoke billows from a looming volcano, probably Mount Teide. Scene framed by a fine line border on three sides and is identified in serifed lettering below. Reverse depicts a partial image of a chaotic battle or shipwreck scene. Workmanship similar to that of the Naval Monument Engraver, and possibly by the same hand as a tooth sold at Eldred's, The Winter Marine Sale, February 28, 2023, Lot #4255.
Length 6.5".
Condition: Substantial loss of ink on obverse. Base cut flat but has small chips, nicks and age lines, the longest extending approx. .6" into obverse. Other typical scattered age lines. Small chip at tip.
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: Notes:
    Teneriffe, now known as Tenerife, is the largest of the Canary Islands located off the coast of Morocco. Although sperm whales are known to pass through the waters around Tenerife, this tooth is probably referencing the 1797 British invasion of the island when it was under Spanish rule, during which Admiral Horatio Nelson was seriously wounded, necessitating the amputation of most of his right arm.

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February 28, 2024 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

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