“Polar Bear Choosing” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Dennis Sims. Trying to decide what to have for dinner is always difficult, but this bear has chosen walrus for his next meal(s). Sims, based in Alaska, has witnessed similar scenes during his lifetime. His work is always spot on. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. As a matter of fact, he made the stand for the walrus tusk. Nice work, great price.
“Awesome Golden Eagle” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Smith. Stunning portrait of this magnificent eagle. No one does better black and white birds. Love the added detail of the feather at the base. From the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Great piece! Following taken from the internet: The Golden Eagle is one of the largest, fastest, nimblest raptors in North America. Lustrous gold feathers gleam on the back of its head and neck; a powerful beak and talons advertise its hunting prowess. You’re most likely to see this eagle in western North America, soaring on steady wings or diving in pursuit of the jackrabbits and other small mammals that are its main prey. Sometimes seen attacking large mammals, or fighting off coyotes or bears in defense of its prey and young, the Golden Eagle has long inspired both reverence and fear.
“Barrels of Whale Oil” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by the late Salman Rashidi. Dock full of barrels of sperm whale oil mean that the owner, captain and crew will receive a nice payday. Artifact ivory used as a scraping tool hundreds of years ago in the northern Bering Sea area. Rashidi is at his best with this highly detailed piece. Take a glance at all of the buildings, casks, etc. From the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Ditto, Rashidi.
“Full Moon Mermaid” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Ray Peters. Framed against a rising full moon, this attractive mermaid is resting upon an unseen rock. Perhaps some unfortunate mariner may see her and choose to investigate. Good luck with that, sailor. Nice artifact with warm color. Great stipple work on this one, by the way.
“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.
“Woodduck Pair” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Charles W. Conner. Fine depiction of a pair of the most handsome ducks in the U.S. This is such a heavily worked piece by Conner, especially the colors of the male’s plumage. Interesting artifact that may have been used as a crude sharpening stone for fishbone needles. This was done 2010 and is from the collection of one of our long time 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.