“Sperm Whale Pod” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Ray Peters. Marvelous composition by scrimshander, Peters, on this artifact. Ivory was used as a net weight by ancient people in the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds of years ago. The back of the ivory shows how it was worked by an unknown artisan to fashion into a useful tool. Now it serves as a canvas, so to speak, for another artist in this era. It is mounted on a handsome bubinga stand with mammoth ivory inlay. This is Peters at his best. Excellent addition to any scrimshaw collection.
“Smiling Mermaid” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Adams. Nestled in shadows, this mermaid seems quite pleased. One wonders just what caused this pleasant smile on her charming face. Every piece can tell a story with just a little imagination. This is done on a stunning artifact used as a scraping tool hundreds of years ago by natives in the Northern Bering Sea area. Not much of this type of ivory available today.
“Pensive Blonde Mermaid” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Adams. One wonders just what is going through this attractive mermaid’s mind. She definitely has a plan. Approaching mariners beware. Amazing detail in the rocky shoreline by equally amazing scrimshander, Adams. He rarely does mermaids these days, so this one is a welcome addition. Ivory probably used as a digging tool hundreds of years ago.
“Serengeti Panorama” color scrimshaw on complete ancient walrus tusk by Mary Gregg Byrne. Serengeti translates to “endless plains” in the Maasai language. Byrne has depicted some of the better known inhabitants, human and animal, that one associates with the Serengeti. Mary Gregg Byrne was one of the originators of contemporary West Coast scrimshaw in the early 70s. She has not done any scrimshaw for more than a decade, so collectors always pay attention whenever a Byrne piece appears on the market today. This was probably done in the mid 1980s and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. When his estate shipped it to us it was poorly packaged and the tip was broken off. We decided to have it repaired, which took over a year start to finish, and have a new stand created for it. Scrimshander, Matt Stothart, also assisted in the restoration process. The finished product is amazing. This is a very large, heavy tusk that weighs 5 pounds, 5.6 ounces! Not many left of this size and condition today.
“Canada Goose Goslings” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by the late Kelly Mulford. Canada goose looks after her goslings as they paddle along. The Canada goose was named after John Canada, not the country. Mulford, one of the originators of contemporary West Coast scrimshaw, created this in 1981. It is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Ivory was used as an ice axe hundreds of years ago by people in the Northern Bering Sea Area.
“The First Captain of the Morgan” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Adams. Brilliant composition by Adams on this one. Focusing on the hull and rigging draws one right into the scene and compliments the stunning portrait of Captain Thomas A. Norton. This piece of ivory was initially thought to be not suitable for scrimshaw; however, we had it polished and this is the result. Stunning! This was “beach ivory” and the back side has been worn to a smooth surface as it rolled around on the beach. We always look forward to Adams scrimshaw creations and are ever disappointed as can be seen here. Handsome cocobolo stand completes the picture.
“Momma Bear and Cubs” highly detailed carving on ancient walrus tusk ivory by talented unknown carver. Ears pricked forward, all bears sense something. Little details, like the ears, are evidence of a masterful job. This one is a winner all the way around.
“Two Bears with Cub” created by talented unknown carver on ancient walrus tusk ivory. Note how the cute cub has been completely polished, waiting for its winter coat. Nice color in the ivory the result of minerals that have been absorbed into the ivory over hundreds and hundreds of years during which it was buried in the northern Bering Sea area. Fine work.
“Turtle Family Swarm” detailed carving on ancient walrus tusk ivory by talented unknown carver. Seven turtles are all gathered on this one. Dark color in the ancient walrus tusk ivory is the result of minerals that have been absorbed into the ivory over hundreds of years. Note the details on the shells of the turtles as well as their flippers. Amazing amount of work in this one.
“Bear Cubs Underpaw” detailed carving on ancient walrus tusk ivory by talented unknown carver. Whimsical depiction of harried mother bear. Sometimes the cubs are underpaw all the time. Like the playfulness in this carving. Welcome addition to any collection.