PATRIOTIC POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH Obverse depicts a "Liberty" banner above a spread-wing eagle clutching an "E Pluribus U..

PATRIOTIC POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH Mid-19th Century

Obverse depicts a "Liberty" banner above a spread-wing eagle clutching an "E Pluribus Unum" banner in its beak, a shield at its breast and arrows and olive branches in its talons. The eagle is perched on a stylized American shield flanked by American flags. Below the shield is an arrangement of cannons, swords, spears, anchors and cannonballs. Reverse depicts the "U.S.F. Constitution" at sea, flying an American flag off the stern. Both sides initialed near base "JB". Length 7.5".

This tooth has been authenticated by Don Ridley and Dr. Stuart M. Frank at the Scrimshaw Forensics Laboratory.

This tooth is by the same hand as a similar tooth and a cane sold at Skinner, November 4, 2017, Lot#144.

Provenance:

Richard A. Bourne Company, August 4, 1981, Lot #134.

Sotheby's, May 22, 2003, Lot #752.

Hyland Granby Antiques, Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

The Collection of Paul Vardeman.

Condition: Age crackson both obverse and reverse extending into scenes.

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

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