“Hunting Polar Bear and Cubs” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Karen Reno. Mama bear and cubs all spy something. Probably food related as the polar bear does not have enemies (except man and nature). Reno is best known for her nudes, but she was right up there with the best at wildlife as well. This could easily be mistaken for a Dorning or Adams scrimshaw, it is that good. Very large tusk in perfect scrimshaw condition. Not much of this quality around anymore. Reno, who is no longer working, created this in 2009. It is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Won’t see another like this.
“King Salmon for Supper” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Karen Reno. Easy catch for this experienced brown bear. In his world the maxim is “eat or be eaten” and he will eat his fill with the spawning salmon returning. Done on an ancient net sinker 500-1500 years old. At one point the ivory rolled around on the beach grinding away the outer layers which is the reason it is so smooth. Very heavy piece of ivory, by the way. Probably done in the mid 90s, this is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us.
“Stunning Sunbathing Mermaid” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Barbara Cullen. Time to catch a few rays on the beach. Stunning brunette mermaid is beautifully depicted by talented scrimshander, Cullen. Done on an ancient ice axe, hundreds of years old, this would be a welcome addition to any scrimshaw collection. It was probably done at least 20-25 years ago and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us.
“Pride of Lions” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Matt Stothart. This gang looks like they are spending a lazy afternoon together, probably after a big meal. Veteran scrimshander, Stothart, has used the natural color of the ivory to match the coloring of the pride. Nice touch. Ivory used as an ice axe by ancient people in the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds and hundreds of years ago. From the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Nice stand completes the picture.
“Soaring Majestic Eagles” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Smith. Excellent composition by veteran scrimshander, Smith. Note the way the color of the ivory blends into the neck of the eagle. Smith’s stipple work is outstanding. No one does it better. Interesting artifact used as some type of digging or scraping tool hundreds of years ago. The back has been polished and it appears that the piece may have been exposed to some type of fire. Attractive stand completes the picture. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us.
“Women Boarding a Ferry” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Martin Bandy. Two well dressed Victorian women prepare to board a ferry as two young lads pass their time on the stone covered dockside. Others eye the handsome women as the ferryman prepares the boat. One wonders where they are going. Every picture tells a story. Bandy, who passed away years ago, was considered one of the very best scrimshanders of his era. His composition and eye for detail were unmatched. His work seldom becomes available as most collectors covet their pieces are are reticent to part with them. Bandy created this outstanding work in 1978 and it is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. The stand had been repaired at some time. Rare opportunity to acquire a Bandy work at a bargain price.
“Navigator Shooting the Sun” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact created by Martin Bandy. One of the ship’s essential members, the navigator makes sure the course is correct. Bandy passed away years ago, but he was considered one of the best black and white scrimshanders of his era. His composition was always superb. One sees the navigator, but, only later, does one notice the sails and rigging above. No one did it better. This is done on a huge ancient walrus tusk used as an ice axe hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Very little of this quality of ivory around today. Bandy created this in 1983. His work very seldom becomes available today. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. A great addition to any serious contemporary collection, this is an opportunity to add a Martin Bandy scrimshaw at 1980s price.
“Heavy Beam Onboard” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Martin Bandy. A gang of dock workers is moving an extremely heavy beam onboard a ship undergoing repairs at some unknown Asian port. Martin Bandy, who passed away years ago, was considered one of the very best black and white nautical scrimshanders of his era. This was done in 1980. His choice of subject matter and style were unique. This was done on an ancient ivory net weight that is hundreds of years old. Bandy’s creations seldom become available today as most collectors cherish their Bandy pieces and are reticent to part with them. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us.
“Earl Cairns Crewmen” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Martin Bandy. The Earl Cairns was a three masted schooner of Bideford built in 1883. These are serious looking crewmen, probably all of Irish descent. Martin Bandy, who passed away years ago, was considered one of the very best black and white scrimshanders of his era. This was created in 1980. His style and choice of subject matter was both original and unique. Rarely does a Bandy work become available on the open market today as most collectors prize their Bandy pieces and are reticent to part with them. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Rare opportunity to add a first rate Martin Bandy work to your collection at 1980s prices.
“Clash of the Cats” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk by David Adams. Five absolutely stunning panels depicting the power and beauty of Bengal tigers. Each one of these panels would be an incredible stand alone work by itself, but combined on one complete walrus tusk make this one extra, extra special. One really has to study this very closely. The three scenes with water are exceptional. The turmoil of the above water clash, matched with the amazing underwater scene is in a class by itself. There is a tremendous amount of work in this one. This the the work of an artist at his very best. Obviously, Adams did not begin his scrimshaw work on this level, but after several decades of constantly working and evolving, he has reached a level that few artists ever achieve in the scrimshaw world. It stands with the best ever done. Yes, it is that good.