54

Mid-19th Century

WHALEBONE BUSK WITH SILVERED METAL DECORATION

Top of busk carved with central heart and square corners. Heart is further formed by an engraved and studded perimeter. Similarly engraved and studded diamond at center and line borders along the edges. Five larger rivet-like studs surround a plaque engraved "C M". Deeply carved crescent near bottom of busk. Bottom of busk is carved in a curve. Marked on back in white "NH30A", indicating the piece was from the collection of Meylert Armstrong of Greenwich, Connecticut and New Hope, Pennsylvania, and then part of the E. Norman Flayderman collection.
Length 14".
Condition: Some cracking near where plaque was affixed. Reverse with faint engraved heart, identical to that on front. Some of the studding completely pierces the busk and is visible from the reverse, while the other leaves a faint outline. Slightly warped.
This item not available for international delivery.

  • Provenance:
    The Collection of Ian R. MacKenzie.

    Illustrated:
    Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders, Whales and Whalemen by E. Norman Flayderman (New Milford, Ct.: N. Flayderman & Co., Inc., 1972), p. 163. Flayderman describes it as an "unusual specimen".

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

August 19, 2021 9:30 AM EDT
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:
25.00%
$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