“Bald Eagle and Totem” mainly black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Charles Emerson. This was created some 25-30 years ago and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. He acquired this stunning work on a visit to Alaska years and years ago. Emerson was a West Coast scrimshander who was excellent with Pacific Northwest scenes. Note just a touch of color in the bald eagle’s beak and eyes as well as the brown tree branch. Nice touch.
“Bald Eagle’s Domain ” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Brad Aumick. Perched bald eagle surveys his domain. Created some 20-30 years ago, this is from the collection on one of our clients who is no longer with us. He acquired this on a trip to Alaska years and years ago. Aumick was a well thought of West Coast scrimshander who was quite versatile as far as subject matter went. This is an extremely heavy piece of ivory weighing in at 2 lbs., 11 ounces! That includes the stand, but all of the weight is in the ivory itself. A fine addition to any scrimshaw collection.
“Whaler Towing Out” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Jim Pauls. Rare piece from one of our clients who is no longer with us. The collector acquired this gem some 25 years ago. This is Jim Pauls work at his very best. Not a great deal of this ivory around anymore. Note how smooth the back side is: the result of rolling around on the beach and having the pebbles smooth down the outer surface of the tusk. However, just the right amount was “sanded off”. Pauls has combined many of his favorite subjects in one masterpiece. Whaler being towed out in flat seas, wharf dweller and his dog, seagulls (of course), man in dory and a detailed stern view of docked ship. Everything works with this one. Very heavy tusk (1 lb., 11.8 oz.) mounted on a classic strand by the late Ken Fredricks.
“Bark Schooner Barkentine Portraits” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Gerry Dupont. Ivory used as a handle to pull things across the ice. Note the shape and the markings in the middle of the piece on the back side. Award winning scrimshander, Dupont, has done a masterful job on this rare. piece of ivory. Not a great deal of this type of ivory around today. Great value here, by the way.
“Clipper Departs Dock” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Salman Rashidi. Fine detail with the buildings and masts in the background. Quite a bit going on in this walrus shard. Rashidi’s work was always tight. Handsome cocobolo stand accented with mammoth ivory completes the picture.
“Fearsome Three Toed Dragon” highly detailed carving by talented unknown carver on ancient walrus tusk ivory. Impressive work here with very thin threads of dragon precisely carved. Nice color in the ancient walrus tusk ivory. Carved cocobolo stand completes the picture.
“Northwest Eagle Totem” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Geoff Olson. Nice artifact used as an ice axe hundreds of years ago. This really captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest as well as the Alaska coast. This was done in 2009 and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Really like the clean, bold lines by scrimshander. Not a great deal of this type of artifact ivory around today. Excellent opportunity to add a nice piece at 2009 prices to one’s collection.
“Wolf Pack and Caribou ” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by R.L. Sanborn. Well done Alaskan type scene by Sanborn. This is from the collection of a client who is no longer with us. Not familiar with the artist, but the work is well done. Complete tusk polished on both sides.
“Sea Otter and Pup” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Geoff Olson. Mamma otter enjoys an abalone meal while pup watches. Hope she shares something with the little guy. Charming piece created in 1991 by Olson and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Very well done piece at 1991 price.
“Arctic Intruders” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory bark by David Smith. A lone Native hunter stands transfixed by the appearance of a whaler. The whaler has appeared unseen out of the fog, although the hunter could discern voices over the frigid water. Somehow, he had the feeling that nothing would ever be the same. Smith’s stipple work has never been better. Note the way he has left just a small orb of the ivory unworked, giving the impression of a shaft of weak sunlight shining upon the Native hunter. Every outstanding piece tells a story. Masterful!