SCRIMSHAW ARTIST View all David Smith scrimshaw pieces David Smith is entering his third decade of a full time career as a scrimshander. Over the years he has become well known as a Master Scrimshander, having received numerous awards and recent submission into the American Art Museum Library at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. […]
“St. George Reef Lighthouse” black and white scrimshaw on pre-ban African Ivory by the late David Smith mounted on a stand by the late Ken Fredericks. Years ago we sent Fredericks some pre-ban ivory and he carved these two amazing pieces to look like small whale’s teeth. David Smith created one of his usual gems depicting a clipper with furled sails fighting the raging storm smashing into St. George Reef Lighthouse in Northern California. Simply outstanding work by both Smith and Fredericks. Any collector would be proud to have this in their collection. It was done years ago and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us.
Notice:
This scrimshaw is done on pre-ban African ivory. Since the passage of the CITIES Treaty in 1973, there has been no African ivory brought into the U.S. However, ivory that was in the U.S. prior to 1973 can be legally sold and shipped within the U.S. However, new legislation taking effect in 2016 restricts pre-ban African Ivory from being shipped interstate. It can only legally be shipped intrastate, (within the state). All of our pre-ban ivory is located with our associate in the state of Florida. It can be purchased directly from our website and shipped only to an address within the state of Florida. If one has a relative, trusted friend or business associate within the state of Florida, we can ship to that specified address in order to comply with the new Federal legislation. The scrimshaw can then be forwarded to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions, email or call us.
For more information on St. George Reef Lighthouse see the folling link.
https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=26
“Flying Cloud” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory slab by the late David Smith. Fine example of Smith’s stipple work in this well done piece. Smith’s work was always first rate. One of the best we worked with over the decades. Info about the Flying Cloud taken from the internet.
Flying Cloud was a clipper ship that set the world’s sailing record for the fastest passage between New York and San Francisco, 89 days 8 hours. The ship held this record for over 135 years, from 1854 to 1989.
Flying Cloud was the most famous of the clippers built by Donald McKay. She was known for her extremely close race with Hornet in 1853; for having a woman navigator, Eleanor Creesy, wife of Josiah Perkins Creesy who skippered Flying Cloud on two record-setting voyages from New York to San Francisco; and for sailing in the Australia and timber trades.
“Captain Nemo’s Nautilus” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Smith. Nemo has his searchlight on in the deep, deep sea. Love the deatil of the Nautilus crest in the lower right hand corner. Very heavy, solid piece of ivory, by the way. This giant octopus might not approve of this intruder into his realm. Story to be continued by the new owner. Mounted on a beautiful piece of cocobolo, this one is a keeper!!
“Scrimshaw Magnifying Glass” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by the late David Smith. This is a custom one of a kind ebony handle inlaid with ancient mammoth tusk ivory and ancient walrus tusk ivory. This was in a batch of letter openers and two glasses that was the very last shipment that we received from David. He was one of the very best and will be missed.
“Compass Rose Letter Opener” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by the late David Smith. Top end inlay work on this one of a kind letter opener. Frame is ebony with inlay pieces of mammoth bark and mammoth ivory. Smith’s stipple work is outstanding, as usual. This is one of the last pieces we received from David. He was a fine person and outstanding scrimshander. He will be missed.
“Clipper Ship Letter Opener” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by the late David Smith. One of a kind cocobolo letter opener inlaid with ebony, ancient mammoth tusk and ancient walrus tusk ivory. This is one of the last pieces we received from David. He was an outstanding scrimshander and will be missed.
“Compass Rose Scrimshaw Letter Opener” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by the late David Smith. Done on one of a kind cocobolo handle with inlay of ancient walrus tusk ivory and ancient mammoth tusk ivory. Incredible stipple work by Smith. He was one of the very best scrimshanders working and will be missed.
“Regal King Leo” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by the late David Smith. Amazing stipple work by one of the masters. Other scrimshanders studied Smith’s work as it was always so precise and expertly done. Any collectors would be lucky to have several works by David Smith in their collections. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Mounted on an ebony stand by the late Ken Fredericks, this is an excellent opportunity to add one of the masters to your collection at 1990s prices.
“Bluenose and Elsie” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory tusk bark by David Smith. Two famous fishing schooners, Bluenose and Elsie, race to the Great Banks fishing area. These were designed to be both speedy and beautiful. In fact, the Bluenose is on the Canadian dime. Speed was of the essence, as the first back to the market received the highest price. Note the seamen on board the schooner. Smith’s excellent detail, as usual.