A large Narwhal Tusk, 19th century

main shaft 80in (204 cm), extended to 87in (221cm)

4 written in ink in the cavity, (tip chipped and base extended) main shaft 80in (204 cm), extended to 87in (221cm)

The whaling fleet at Whitby fished in the waters of Greenland and Davis Straits between 1766-1816 the overall catch was recorded at 2761 great whales, 25,000 seals, 55 bears, 43 unicorns and 64 seahorses.

'The unicorns were doubtless Narwhals, and in the dining room of Airy Hill, once occupied by Admiral Sir Robert Moorsom (1760-1835) and now by Mr.T.M.Turnbull are to be seen eight magnificent Narwhal tusks built into two pillars' - Whitby Lore and Legend by Percy Shaw Jeffery

The one offered for sale is number 4, recorded in Airy Hill insurance valuation dated 1929.