ANTIQUE SCRIMSHAW
Scrimshaw is the sailors folk art of using whales teeth and bones to produce tools, carvings and engraved works of art. Scrimshaw began on the whaling ships and it was the crews of these ships that perfected the art, often making sailors tools or gifts for loved ones back home.
Below is our selection of antique sailors scrimshaw folk art.
ANTIQUE SCRIMSHAW WHALES TOOTH, SAILORS FOLK ART.
Antique scrimshaw whales tooth decorated on the front side with a three masted, barque rigged sailing ship. The Topsails and Topgallant sails are set, whilst the lower Course sails and the upper Royal sails are 'hanging in their gear' - this sail configuration slowed the whaling ship down whist the hunt was in progress. The engraving of the ship has accurate proportions and shows the Masts, Yards, bowsprit, jibboom, standing and running rigging. the ship is also flying the British ensign flag.
Antique scrimshaw whales tooth decorated on the reverse side with a whaling scene and entitled 'SOUTH WHERE THOSE WHALE FISH BLOW' also depicting a scene of men in a whaler with oars up out of the water and one man with a harpoon on the bow of the whaler. there is also a whales head and tail breaking the surface.
height of whales tooth:
Top of ditty box showing scrimshaw panel
Inside ditty box showing internal removable tray
ANTIQUE SCRIMSHAW SAILORS DITTY BOX
A sailor made ditty box with engraved scrimshaw panel. The scrimshaw panel depicts a maritime scene with a ship under full sail and a female figure stood beside a capstan at the end of a quay. it is also engraved - "The sailors return, SHIP SWALLOW New Bedford 1860", with crossed flags and a border of roses.
Box dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3.5 inches - 28 x 18 x 9 cm
ANTIQUE WHALE BOAT OR WHALER TILLER HEAD.
Antique whale boat tiller head, made from brass with pulley sheaves at each end. Stamped '2nd WHALER' mounted on a hardwood backboard for display. Length: 21 inches / 54 cm.NTIQUE WHALE BOAT TILLER H