“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.
“Great Blue Heron” (Ardea herodias) color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Adams. Love the composition of this beautiful work by Adams. The ancient walrus tusk was split down the middle at some time in the past and Adams picked up on the sharp, pointed end as inspiration for the spear like beak of the blue heron. Brilliant. The complex stipple work in the background is simply amazing as well. The Bolivian rosewood stand itself is another work of art. In fact, everything works together in this one. Really like it.
Color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Gary Williams. Outstanding work by one of the most versatile scrimshanders working today. Known for his thoughtful portraits, Williams is just as strong with wildlife and even fantasy. this guy can do it all. Strong portrait captures the spirit of strong people. Incredible inlay on the name plate by Cash. This beautiful work is from one of our long time collectors who is no longer with us. Nice work at a great price.
“Majestic Snowy Owl” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by the late Kelly Mulford. Known to be one of the very best scrimshanders of his era, Mulford had a soft spot for birds of all types. The snowy owl depicted here is a fine example of his work. Done in 19983, it is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. This is one of the heaviest owls as they have a great amount of feathers in order to keep warm. Even their feet are protected by feathers. The snowy owl was the favorite pet of Harry Potter, so it must have special powers. The artifact, between 500-1500 years old, was used as a fire starter. Excellent opportunity to add a first rate Mulford to your collection at 1983 prices.
“Rocky Mountain Goat” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Heidi Robichaud. Nice family portrait of nannie mountain goat and kid. Incredible work by Robichaud of using the natural color and tones of the ivory in her subject matter. Note how the snow pack on the right turns into brush and the natural materials on the left side of the tusk resemble spots of unmelted spring snow. She created this outstanding piece in 1984 and it is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Ivory was used as an ice axe by natives of the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds of years ago. By the way, mountains goats are not in the same genus as goats and are associated with gazelles and antelopes. Great piece!
“Wild Stallion and Herd” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Mary Byrne. Rearing wild stallion oversees his herd as it passes by. One of the colts appears to have the same coloring. Scenes such as this can still be seen in parts of the West. Byrne, who was one of the very best of the West Coast scrimshanders, created this in the late 70s. It is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Long tusk that was split in two at some time in the past. An artifact in the making that did not pan out.
“Mystical Swan Family” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Mary Byrne. One of the most talented of all the contemporary West Coast scrimshanders, Byrne’s work is rarely seen and is prized by astute collectors. This is classic Byrne, not only in subject matter, but, also in composition. The ominous dark water’s surface is broken by the female swan and her cignets revealing shades of bright blue underneath the dark surface. Love the tones in the dominate male’s wings. Ivory was used as an ice axe by ancient people hundreds of years ago. From the collection of one of our long time clients who is no longer with us. Great piece at 1980s prices.
“Hooded Merganser Family” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by the late Kelly Mulford. Outstanding example of first rate Kelly Mulford scrimshaw. He loved to scrimshaw duck scenes and was probably the best of all the West Coast scrimshanders with his prized duck scenes. He could have been the first to win the Federal Duck Stamp competition with a scrimshaw entry had he chosen to submit his work. Interesting artifact used both as an ice axe and fire starter by ancient people in the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds of years ago. Another piece from one of our clients who is no longer with us. Kelly created this in 1983 and it was initially sold for more that the current price. Great opportunity to acquire a Mulford at 1980s prices.
“Horses Running Free” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Terry Nelson. Very rare to see a Nelson piece appear on the open market today. One of the best known of the group responsible for contemporary West Coast style of scrimshaw, Nelson’s work is prized by astute collectors. Her portraits were outstanding, but her wildlife took a backseat to no one, as can be seen here. This was done in the mid 80s and is from the extensive collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. You won’t see a Nelson wildlife piece like this again. Simply great work!