Close Quarters Battle

“Close Quarters Battle” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Steve Willeford. Powerful work by Willeford on this one, The scene is below deck in one of the British battleships. One can only imagine the noise, smoke and utter fear that the men must have experienced. This was done on an ancient walrus tusk that was used as a net sinker for the people in the Northern Bering Sea area. Willeford was one of the very few who ever attempted these type of scenes by depicting the actual sailors up close. Other battle scenes featured complete ships firing broadsides at each other. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Steve did not produce a great volume of work, so this is quite rare. Fine addition to a nautical collection.