SCRIMSHAW ARTIST View all David Adams scrimshaw pieces Scrimshaw artist biography coming soon.
“King of the Mountains” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Adams. First rate composition by talented scrimshander, Adams. One’s attention is drawn to the center with the soaring eagle, then to the right picking up the almost hidden waterfall. Finally, one sees the enormous eagle’s head with the piercing eye. The eagle’s sight is astounding as they can see an rabbit from two to three miles away! This ancient walrus tusk was used as an ice axe by natives in the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds of years ago. Museum quality condition and it weighs 2 lbs., 5 oz.! Very few of these around today. From one of our clients who is no longer with us. Everything works on this one.
“Cliff Dwellers” mainly black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Adams. Amazing composition by Adams on this one. Perfect subject matter for the size and shape of the ivory.The way the tip of the tusk was broken off years and years ago gives the impression of a mountain top. Mounted on a stunning R. Cash lacewood stand, this would be a welcome addition to any serious scrimshaw collection.
Taken from the internet:
The mountain goat, also known as the Rocky Mountain goat, is a cloven-footed mammal that is endemic to the remote and rugged mountainous areas of western North America. A subalpine to truly alpine species, it is a sure-footed climber commonly seen on sheer rock faces, near-vertical cliffs and icy passages.
“Autumn Wolf” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Adams. Fall foliage still on the trees after an early light snowfall. Have to admire the way scrimshander Adams, composes his works. Interesting addition of a partially hidden wolf at the bottom. First class work by Adams, as always. One of the very best working today, no doubt about it.
“SIREN” black and white scrimshaw on pre-ban African Ivory by David Adams. No one does better sirens than David Adams. If fact, he may be the only contemporary scrtimshander to even do a siren. The ivory tip was perfect for black and white, polished to perfection by Cash who also created the impressive base. Two of the very best working today.
This scrimshaw is done on pre-ban African ivory. Since the passage of the CITIES Treaty in 1973, there has been no African ivory brought into the U.S. However, ivory that was in the U.S. prior to 1973 can be legally sold and shipped within the U.S. However, new legislation taking effect in 2016 restricts pre-ban African Ivory from being shipped interstate. It can only legally be shipped intrastate, (within the state). All of our pre-ban ivory is located with our associate in the state of Florida. It can be purchased directly from our website and shipped only to an address within the state of Florida. If one has a relative, trusted friend or business associate within the state of Florida, we can ship to that specified address in order to comply with the new Federal legislation. The scrimshaw can then be forwarded to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions, email or call us.
“Portrait in Shadows” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. This is what extraordinary black and white scrimshaw looks like. The subtle use of shading on this beautiful woman is top of the line. No one does better portraits today than David Adams. Captivating work here, mounted on an old stand by the late Ken Fredericks. Two pillars of contemporary scrimshaw. Welcome addition to any scrimshaw collection.
“Massive Humpback Whale” color scrimshaw on large piece of ancient mammoth ivory bark by David Adams. Dramatic work by master scrimshander, Adams, with copious amounts of water cascading down the joyous humpback. Really looks like this guy is have a high old time. Many artists would have left the scene with just the humpback, but not Adams. Note how he as not only added a large swatch of forest, but on the horizon, a snow capped peak of the Northwest. Nice. This is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us and his estate asked us to post it at a very low price. This could very easily be valued at over $3200.00. Great work at a great price.
“Strong Following Wind” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. Vessel has the wind at its back, making good time. Amazing detail by Adams on the stern and rigging. Nice composition as the ship appears to be heading off of the ivory. This is mounted on a stand by the late Ken Fredericks, which we came across in a box in out storeroom.
“Ship in Choppy Seas” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. Nor’easter runs into choppy seas and has to furl sail. Losing time gettin into port with her cargo. Adams rarely does smaller pieces, but always does his best work regardless of the size of the ivory. Professional.
“To the London Tea Docks” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. Speedy clipper heads for the Tea Docks with its precious cargo. The early arrivals received a higher price for their cargo, so it was all out 24 hours a day. Money is a great motivator. Mounted on a rare stand by the late Ken Fredericks inlaid with ancient walrus ivory and malachite, this would make a fine addition to any scrimshaw collector.









