“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.
“Sultry Woman with Hat” black and white scrimshaw on antique ivory match holder by David Adams. Rare match holder probably made in England c. 1860…1880. It was definitely used as can be seen by the darker areas at the bottom where the match was lit. The end of the piece opens for the matches. Excellent condition all the way around. Adams has created a captivating woman of that era wearing an elaborate hat. Note the way the shadow falls across here eyes. Adams is in a class by himself for subject matter such as this. We had a simple stand made for it. Definitely a one of a kind.
Notice:
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.
“Programme du bal” “Programme du bal” black and white scrimshaw on dance card by David Adams. These beautiful items were used by aristocratic ladies of the Victorian era attending formal balls. The lady would inscribe the names of her admirers who wished to dance with her in order on each slate. This one is quite old with marvelous patina, probably made in England or France c.1850s. Gave rise to the expression “Her dance card is full”. This is the only one we have ever seen that has the original pen attached. We added the chain and had the stand made. Obviously, it probably did not take too long for this beauty’s card to be full. Excellent opportunity to add something different to one’s collection.
“Pirate Queen Boarding!” Black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory tusk bark by David Adams. Leading the way, sword in hand The Pirate Queen boards another prey, her crew following behind. This is another one of Adams’ depictions of Pirate Queens. The amount of work in this one is incredible, from the shading on her face to the shading of here hair. A work of art to be treasured.
“Pirate Sabrina Strikes Again” blacfk and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Adams. Another victory for Sabrina. She seems to be on a mission to avenge some long past incident at sea. Adams’ stipple work here is amazing The shading on her face is perfect. Hard to take your eyes off her captivating face, but take a look at the detail in her heavy jacket. These pieces by Adams rank among the very best he has created.
“Maiden with Night Light” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory bark by David Adams. Another outstanding creation in our series of female pirates. Although she is not as fearsome as some of the others that Adams has portrayed, she conveys a look of intense scrutiny. Nothing on board escapes her notice, even in the dark of night. Also, we do not know if she is clutching a sword in her left hand. Note the detail of the chain as the light illuminates just a portion of it, then fades into darkness at the top. These kind of minute details are precisely what sets Adams’ work apart from others. He does not just fill up the space in the ivory, but creates a spellbinding scene in each piece. This takes both a great deal of talent and time, both of which can be seen in this incredible work.