PAIR OF PATRIOTIC POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TEETH Obverses depict vignettes of ships at sea above a patriotic design of a spread-..

PAIR OF PATRIOTIC POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TEETH Mid-19th Century

Obverses depict vignettes of ships at sea above a patriotic design of a spread-wing eagle and a portrait medallion flanked by American flags. One tooth depicts two ships, while the other depicts a single ship flying an American flag off the stern. The eagles are clutching "Constitution Liberty" or "Liberty Constitution" banners in their beaks, have American shields at their breasts, and olive branches and arrows in their talons. The portrait medallions differ, though both are believed to depict U.S. Presidents. The reverse of one tooth depicts two standing ladies above a basket of fruit. Both edges depict floral vines. The reverse of the other tooth depicts a red floral sprig, a whaleship cutting in, and two whaleships sailing toward a pod of whales. One edge with a repetitive floral vine. The other edge with image of a whaleship and a sperm whale. A sawtooth border encircles the base of both teeth. Though the decoration coordinates and the two teeth are nearly identical in size and shape, the two were probably not intended as a mated pair. Lengths 5.5" and 5.75".

Several examples by this unnamed scrimshander exist, including one in the USNM. A nearly identical example was sold at Skinner, March 4, 2012, Lot #423, and at Rafael Osona Auctions, August 6, 2016, Lot #208.

Provenance:

Tooth with two women: Rafael Osona Auctions, Nantucket, Massachusetts, August 14, 1993.

Tooth with multiple vignettes on reverse: Eldred's, July 23, 2009, Lot 422A.

The Collection of Paul Vardeman.

Condition: Both with age cracks extending from base, largest approx. 1.5". Tooth with two women with age crack/line through image.

This item will not be shipped internationally without a CITES permit. Obtaining CITES and any other necessary permits is the obligation of the buyer.

Please contact Eldred''s 48 hours prior to the auction start time with condition report requests. Please do not bid on any item without reading the condition report. The absence of a condition report does NOT imply that an an object is free of defects or restoration. Please contact Eldred''s before bidding with any questions as to condition. Condition reports are provided as a complimentary service and only reflect the opinion of Eldred''s and should not be taken as a statement of fact. Condition reports only detail flaws or restorations and do not take into account wear, fading, or other issues consistent with an object''s age.