“Captain Plots His Course” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by James W. Lee. Ship’s captain plots his course while enjoying his pipe. He may also be dreaming of someone from his past voyages who, in his imagination, appears on the masthead as she was decades past. Not the usual boring masthead carving by a long shot. The ship on the horizon may have been the exact one he captained in the past. Quite a reverie. Interesting ivory used as a sled runner hundreds of years ago. Nicely done. The stipple work here is quite well done. This was created in the mid 1990s and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Great price for work of this caliber.
“Blockade by Old Whaleships” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Gerry Dupont. Fascinating incident which took place during the Civil War. A flotilla of 15 aging whalers were loaded with heavy stones and sailed to the channel entrance of both Charleston and Savannah where they were scuttled in order to block all entrance into the rebel ports. This impressive scrimshaw was done on an ancient walrus tusk used as an ice axe hundreds of years ago. Dupont did a magnificent job of portraying the entire fleet. A plaque describing the scene describes the action. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us and was created in the mid 1990s. Great piece, at a great price.
“Women Boarding a Ferry” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Martin Bandy. Two well dressed Victorian women prepare to board a ferry as two young lads pass their time on the stone covered dockside. Others eye the handsome women as the ferryman prepares the boat. One wonders where they are going. Every picture tells a story. Bandy, who passed away years ago, was considered one of the very best scrimshanders of his era. His composition and eye for detail were unmatched. His work seldom becomes available as most collectors covet their pieces are are reticent to part with them. Bandy created this outstanding work in 1978 and it is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. The stand had been repaired at some time. Rare opportunity to acquire a Bandy work at a bargain price.
“Navigator Shooting the Sun” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact created by Martin Bandy. One of the ship’s essential members, the navigator makes sure the course is correct. Bandy passed away years ago, but he was considered one of the best black and white scrimshanders of his era. His composition was always superb. One sees the navigator, but, only later, does one notice the sails and rigging above. No one did it better. This is done on a huge ancient walrus tusk used as an ice axe hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Very little of this quality of ivory around today. Bandy created this in 1983. His work very seldom becomes available today. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. A great addition to any serious contemporary collection, this is an opportunity to add a Martin Bandy scrimshaw at 1980s price.
“Heavy Beam Onboard” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Martin Bandy. A gang of dock workers is moving an extremely heavy beam onboard a ship undergoing repairs at some unknown Asian port. Martin Bandy, who passed away years ago, was considered one of the very best black and white nautical scrimshanders of his era. This was done in 1980. His choice of subject matter and style were unique. This was done on an ancient ivory net weight that is hundreds of years old. Bandy’s creations seldom become available today as most collectors cherish 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.
“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.
“Hunting Departure” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Smith. The departing hunter wistfully glances back at his mate and child. She has a stoic look, but is apprehensive knowing the dangers of the Arctic weather. Smith’s signature stipple style of scrimshaw is perfect for this artifact. Love the detail of the icy mountains on the horizon as well as the beautifully braided hair of the woman and the contented look of the baby. Ivory used as a net sinker and fire starter hundreds of years ago. Museum quality work here, folks.
“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.