Seahorse scrimshaw cufflinks in sepia tones by David Smith on ancient walrus tusk ivory. One of our favorite Smith scrimshaw cufflink motifs. He has done a masterful job on this creamy mammoth ivory. Very delicate work for very delicate creatures. Set in sterling silver by Jenkins, this would make a great addition to any collection.
“Frog Family with Tadpoles” detailed carving on ancient walrus jawbone by unknown carver. This one has the whole family from adult frog, small frog and a couple of tadpoles thrown in for good measure. Very nice color in this ancient walrus jawbone. Great value in this one.
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This is ancient walrus tusk jawbone found in the Northern Bering Sea area. The material is 500-1500 years old and is occasionally found in ancient Eskimo camp and hunting sites. The marvelous colors are the result of minerals that have been absorbed into the jawbone over hundreds and hundreds of years. Obviously this material cannot be replenished, making it quite collectible and valuable.
Color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Matt Stothart. In over 40 years this is the only skiing related scrimshaw we have ever had. It is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Very nice work by Stothart. The scoring marks on the ivory indicate that it was used as some type of tool hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Great price for just the ivory and stand. Could be a possible DIY?
Wolf carving done on ancient walrus tusk ivory by unknown artist. The color in this rare piece of ancient walrus tusk ivory is outstanding. The striking tones are the result of minerals which have been absorbed into the ivory over hundreds and hundreds of years when it was buried in the ground in the northern Bering Sea area. The alert young wolf seems to have sighted a prey. Nicely done. Not much of this color of walrus tusk around today.
Color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Smith. Very strong work by master scrimshander, Smith. He brings you right into the hypnotic eye of the snow leopard. Ivory was used as some type of tool hundreds of years ago, but not quite sure just how it was used. Large, heavy piece of tusk weighs nearly one pound! The more you view this one, more you will simply love the piece.
Mother Triceratops with Baby Carving – Unusual carving on ancient walrus tusk ivory of a mother and child triceratops. Why not? Signed on the base A.R. Actually this is excellent work. Note each scale on the two is carefully delineated. Love the way the smaller on has his head slightly turned, taking in the scene. The more one sees this work, the more it grows on one. Nicely done.
Color scrimshaw on an impressive ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Heidi Robichaud. This was created by Robichaud in 1985 and is from the collection of a client who is no longer with us. He had his own oak stands made for most pieces in his collection with space for a brass nameplate to be engraved with a title and name of the scrimshander. Unfortunately, he never got around to that part. One does not have to be a dance enthusiast to appreciate the lines and beauty of the ballerina. This is done on one of those artifacts that we never come across anymore. It was used as an ice axe and also as a type of whetstone to shape thick fish bones that would be used as sewing needles, hence the grooves in the side. Amazing, indeed. This massive piece of ivory weighs over 3 pounds! We won’t see another like this again.
Black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Charles Emerson. Looks like this patient craftsman is fashioning a sled runner out of walrus tusk ivory, unaware that hundreds and hundreds of years in the future, these tools and artifacts would be used to create scrimshaw. Really like the way Emerson has added just a touch of blue in the background. You almost do not notice it at first glance. From the collection of one of our long time clients who is no longer with us. Great opportunity to add an Emerson work to one’s collection as he is not longer doing scrimshaw.
Black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Smith. As night approaches, this guy is looking for a meal. No doubt he will find it and there will be fewer critters around the barn. Love the way Smith has created the background, giving the impression of impending darkness. The ivory was used as a tool by ancient Eskimos in the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds of years ago. Not much of this rare ivory found anymore. Nice piece from a long time collector who is no longer with us.
Color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Adams. Rarely seen King Leopard depicted by Adams. This cat is a hybrid of other leopards and was not considered in the leopard family until fairly recently. The stealthy cat is making its way down rocks to the edge of an unseen stream. Love the composition in this one. This is done on a museum quality ancient walrus tusk ivory net sinker. Both holes are completely intact, which is rare. Most are mounted on a horizontal base, so this created a challenge for the scrimshander. Adams nailed it. Nice lacewood stand completes the picture.