“Nauset Light” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory bark by David Smith. Excellent rendition of well known East Coast lighthouse. Nauset Light, officially Nauset Beach Light, is a restored lighthouse on the Cape Cod National Seashore near Eastham, Massachusetts, erected in 1923 using the 1877 tower that was moved here from the Chatham Light. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
“St. Mark’s Light” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Smith. First rate work by Smith on choice piece of mammoth bark. The St. Marks Light is the second-oldest light station in Florida. It is located on the east side of the mouth of the St. Marks River, on Apalachee Bay.
“Alpha Wolf” black and white scrimshaw on stunning blue mammoth bark ivory by David Smith. This leader has it all, judging by his commanding appearance. He could easily be “best of show” material. The rare blue tones in the mammoth ivory are outstanding, to say the least.
“Bald Eagle Portrait” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Smith. The fierceness of the eagle is captured by Smith in this gem. It is said Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be our national bird, not the eagle. Although Franklin was correct in many things, he was dead wrong about the turkey.
“Thoughtful Silverback” black and white scrimshaw on rare blue ancient mammoth ivory tusk bark by David Smith. Silverback seems to be quite serious, perhaps thinking about his well hidden group. This piece of ivory is simply amazing with the rare blue tones and, also, it is very thick with no checks whatsoever. Scrimshander, Smith, has used the ivory to the very best advantage. Stunning cocobolo stand completes the picture.
“Racing Schooner Closeup” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Smith. One can feel the speed of this handsome vessel. You can see the captain at the helm, probably barking orders to his well trained crewmen. Smith really takes you right into the action with this one. Note the angle of the ends of the ivory matching the shape of the base. Nicely done.
“America’s Cup Schooner” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Smith. Racing schooner with massive sails (some had over 10,000 sq. ft.)! Highly detailed work by master scrimshander, Smith. Look closely and you can see the crewmen on board. Nice touch with blue sky high above, concentrating one’s attention on the lovely schooner herself.
“Something in Common” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Smith. Both the polar bear and orca are kings of their domains, one above water, the other, below. Scrimshander Smith has the two comparing notes during a chance meeting. Curiosity on both sides is evident. Really like the way the bear has his head slightly turned as he sees the orca. Fine composition by one of the best working today.
Black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Smith. One of a series of owl portraits Smith has done for Scrimshaw Collector. Note the work on the sides of the owl to create the owl’s hiding place. Well done, indeed. Ghostly pale and normally strictly nocturnal, Barn Owls are silent predators of the night world. Lanky, with a whitish face, chest, and belly, and buffy upperparts, this owl roosts in hidden, quiet places during the day. By night, they hunt on buoyant wingbeats in open fields and meadows. You can find them by listening for their eerie, raspy calls, quite unlike the hoots of other owls. Note the work on the side of the mammoth bark to create the owl’s home. Very well done, indeed. Ghostly pale and normally strictly nocturnal, Barn Owls are silent predators of the night world. Lanky, with a whitish face, chest, and belly, and buffy upperparts, this owl roosts in hidden, quiet places during the day. By night, they hunt on buoyant wingbeats in open fields and meadows. You can find them by listening for their eerie, raspy calls, quite unlike the hoots of other owls.
“Saw-Whet Owl Portrait” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Smith. One of a series of owl portraits for Scrimshaw Collector.Northern Saw-whet Owls are almost entirely nocturnal and are far more often heard than seen. They spend the daylight hours roosting quietly in thick cover, where their presence is sometimes betrayed by the scolding of a mob of smaller birds.Although they vocalize year-round, Northern Saw-whets can be heard more often during their breeding season (April through June), when they are looking for mates. They nest in tree cavities, where the female does all of the incubation and brooding while the male hunts.