4. Scrimshaw & Whaling

4.02  HARPOON.  Rare, first half of the 1800's American whaling harpoon.  This very scarce example  known as a "swivel barb" harpoon, has a complex construction employing 4 folding toggles and an arrowhead tip.  Only one type of this early iron is held in the prestigious collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.  This singularly important example measures 30 inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide at the head with the flukes closed and 6 inches across when extended.  It is in original, well used condition with some loses to the cone as expected from countless years in a marine environment.  Offered here at an amazing price!  VALUE $1700  NOW 695

A nearly identical harpoon is depicted on page 208 of Thomas Lytle's book "Harpoons and Other Whalecraft," 1984, The Old Dartmouth Historical Association, New Bedford, Massachusetts.  The caption reads, "Four swivel barbs, each 4 inches long, behind small two-flued head.  Length 36 inches."

4.03  SCRIMSHAW CRIBBAGE BOARD.  A real rarity.  Here is a 19th century cribbage board fashioned from the huge tusk of a massive bull walrus.  Cribbage boards are certainly not uncommon.  But what makes this example unique is that it was made by an American whaleman!  Typical of this type of game board it has two double rows of holes for cribbage pegs in sets of 10, comprising a total of 12 sets.  The holes are precisely drilled and evenly spaced.  Remarkably there are 6 large circular inlays of whale baleen and 10 smaller circles adorning the matrix.  These are contained within a scrimshawed border embellished down the center with numerous "pyramidal" shapes.  At the broad end is an ivory cap covering the tooth cavity for storing the game pieces.  Within is a large lead plug.  Next to the cap is a classic sailor star formed by 40 individual inlays of baleen!  The periphery of the star is scrimshawed with a multitude of radiating lines.  The center bears the lovely likeness of a young girl.  The pointed end bears the scrimshawed portrait a reclining bare-breasted woman reading a book.   In front of her a raring snake is poised as if ready to strike!  The back of the tusk has a small ivory "foot" for stability.  This huge tusk measures 23 inches long on a straight line and is 2 ½ inches thick at the widest.  Excellent original condition with no damage and a nice age patina.  1750

Walrus tusk cribbage boards made by Eskimos are relatively common, particularly those made for tourists in the 20th century.  This example of "real scrimshaw" was most certainly done by a sailor on a 19th century western Arctic whaler!

Not available or for sale in California.  Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.01  SCRIMSHAW BODKIN.  Very nice whaleman-made miniature fid known as a bodkin.  This 19th century example is hand-carved from the dense panbone of a sperm whale's jaw.   What makes it particularly desirable is the bulbous top with a decorative rope-carved spiral skirt below tapering to a sharp point at the bottom.  3 ¾ inches long by 3/8 inch in diameter.  Excellent original condition with a fine age patina.  69

4.00  SHIP-MARKED HARPOON.  Genuine 3rd quarter 1800's American whaling harpoon.  This authentic example known as a "toggle iron" by whalemen, was invented by the famed African-American blacksmith Lewis Temple in the 1840's, later modified to its widely used form by literally hundreds of Yankee whaleships.  It is entirely hand-forged of black iron with a steel head or "toggle."  It has the characteristic open split cone and the pivoting toggle on the end of the shank.  A small hole in the toggle head can be seen through which a matchstick was rove to maintain the head's position until darted into the whale. When struck it broke off releasing the iron into the "fast" position.  Of particular interest and desirability is the fact that this rare harpoon is punch marked "AH" on the toggle.  The marking is faint, but still legible.  This indicates it came from the famed American whaler ANDREW HICKS.  What's more, it still retains an original remnant of the hemp line which secured it to the whaleboat!  33 inches long overall.  The toggle is 7 1/4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.  Excellent original, very sound condition.  As expected, the surfaces are pitted from long exposure to a marine environment – a good sign of actual use. SOLD

The full-rigged American whaleship ANDREW HICKS of 303 tons was built in Fairhaven, Massachusetts in 1867.  She began her illustrious whaling career out of Westport, Connecticut, departing on September 11 for the Pacific whaling grounds and returning on May 14, 1872 with 225 barrels of sperm oil and 730 barrels of whale oil.  A voyage lasting nearly 5 years!  The venerable old whaleship went on to finish her career in 1914 sailing out of New Bedford, Massachusetts where she returned on August 19, 1914 with 2,800 barrels of whale oil. (Alexander Starbuck, "History of the American Whale Fishery," 1878-1928, Waltham, Massachusetts and the Old Dartmouth Historical Society, New Bedford, 1959.)

An active service life of 47 years was exceptional amongst wooden hulled vessels of that era.
 Reference:  Thomas Lytle, "Harpoons and Other Whalecraft," 1984, The Old Dartmouth Historical Society, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

4.01   SCRIMSHAW LETTER OPENER.  Good 19th century whaleman-made letter opener fashioned from whalebone.  This distinctively-carved piece features a clenched fist on the handle followed by helical carving terminating in a flat bladed knife edge with pointed tip and sharp edges.  It measures 7 ½ inches long by 5/8 inches wide on the blade. Excellent original condition.   A real bargain!  139

Not available or for sale in California. Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.92 OSICK. 19th century tool used by sailors and Eskimos to capture seals.  This unique device was fabricated from the penis bone of a large walrus.  It consists of that long curved bone terminating on both ends with walrus tusk caps and decorative whale baleen separators.  The overall length is 13 ½ inches and the maximum diameter is 1 inch.  Perfect original condition showing good age.  495

Not available or for sale in California. Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.99  WISK BROOM.  A good example of 19th century commercial output from the products of the American whale fishery.  This utilitarian item is embodied in a small whisk broom with a multitude of natural bristle hairs.  149

Not available or for sale in California. Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.97  CLOTHES PINS.  Pair of 19th century clothespins fashioned out of the dense panbone of sperm whale.  These nearly matching pins are an excellent example of the utilitarian scrimshaw output of the Yankee whalers in the Golden Age of the American whale fishery – the largest in the world.  3 inches long and 3/8 inches thick.  Untouched original condition.   99/pr

4.98  WHALEBONE FID.  Extra nice working sailor's tool known as a marlinspike or fid, used by sailors for splicing line and other shipboard tasks.  This particularly handsome example is fashioned from the solid panbone of a sperm whale's jaw, gradually tapering to a sharp tip.  It measures 9 ½ inches long and is 1 inch thick on the blunt end with two decorative scribe lines  incised.  A museum accession number is affixed to the side.  Outstanding original condition with a smooth lustrous surface.  SOLD

4.95  BONE CLOTHESPIN.   Excellent mid-19th century example of the whalemen's working scrimshaw in the form of a large clothespin carved out of the dense jawbone of a sperm whale.  This classic specimen is beautifully tapered and finished with 2 sets of decoratively-scribed lines top and bottom.  It is unusually large measuring a full 5 inches long and ¾ inches in diameter.  It has a lovely age patina and is in perfect original condition.  250

4.94  MINIATURE WHALEMAN's CHEST.  Very rare, mid-19th century whaleman-made miniature sea chest with charming scrimshaw attributes.  This original example of sailor's folk art is in the form of an authentic sea chest with a solid oak lid and mahogany sides using fine hand dove-tailed construction.   Like a full-size sea chest it has kick boards on the bottom of its classic 6 board design.  Further, it has realistic overlapping edges on the lid to prevent leakage of sea water.  The lid is attached with early form strap hinges of copper or brass with tiny screws which do not protrude through the top of the lid.  The hinges exhibit a rich greenish age patina.  The interior is nothing short of exceptional!  It has a small compartment with a removable solid whalebone divider fitted in between whalebone guides in the chest.  Of special note it is decorated with a small old fashioned anchor riveted to it.  On the other end has a lidded till with drawer and whalebone pull.  A cane-shaped ivory stem holds the drawer in place.  We have seen this locking feature in early high quality 19th apothecary and dressing boxes.  Perhaps the most charming feature of all is the  small inlaid abalone fish form on the front of the box.  It is quite likely the whaleman intended this as present to his child after a long, arduous voyage.  9 inches long by 5 ½ inches wide and 4 inches high.  Without a doubt a rare, absolutely unique example of authentic scrimshaw done in the finest manner.  975

4.93  AUTHENTIC SCRIMSHAW.  A good example of the late 19th century whaleman's art of scrimshaw.  It is embodied in a genuine sperm whale tooth deeply engraved on both sides in the artistic form known as intaglio.  The front depicts a young sailor in classic dress with tied kerchief and flat hat standing behind a seated "old salt" intent on working a piece of scrimshaw in both hands.  He wears a traditional Kepi hat.  The sailor pair are next to an old fashioned capstan.  The reverse depicts a port bow view of a 2-maseted man-o-war under sail.  The brig flies streaming pennants from both masts and the broadside shows at least 6 cannon protruding from their gun ports.  The tooth is in nice condition with a rich age patina throughout.  The inked etching is very contrasty.  5 ½ inches as measured on the curve and 2 inches wide.  895

Not available or for sale in California. Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.91  WHALEBONE BUSK.  Massive 19th century whaleman-made busk carved from the dense jawbone of a sperm whale.  This authentic example of a Victorian lady's intimate attire is just about as big as was ever made, measuring a full 14 inches in length, 1 7/8th inches wide and an amazingly thin 1/16 inch thick.  Considering the petite nature of women of the era, anything larger would have been simply unwearable!  This busk is unscrimmed.  It is in an outstanding state of original preservation with an excellent age patina and absolutely no damage.  Very sturdy!  One end, presumably the bottom, is slightly tipped in order to fit in a lady's corset.  The top is round.  595

4.88   SCRIMSHAW LETTER OPENER.  Especially nice 19th century whaleman-made letter opener of ivory with a hard tropical "island wood" handle having 3 segments of ivory mortised and pinned together with 2 sterling silver rivets.  This utilitarian scrimshaw tool has a carved bulbous handle, carefully sculpted with an acorn finial on the end.  Showing great craftsmanship, the handle is attached to the blade with a tight mortised joint along its length.  The ivory "blade" is approximately 1/16th of an inch thick, terminating in a rounded tip.  It measures 4 1/2 inches long by ¾ inches in width.  The overall length is just shy of 8 inches.  This lovely example of sailor folk art is in outstanding original, still functional, condition.  Excellent "contrasty" look.  WAS $295 NOW! 179

4.87 SCRIMSHAW LETTER OPENER.  Very nice sailor-made letter opener fashioned from 3 segments of ivory mortised and pinned together with 2 sterling silver rivets.  This delicate little tool has a bulbous handle, carefully sculpted with an acorn finial on the end.  Showing great craftsmanship, the handle is made in two parts with a tight mortised joint along its length.  The ivory "blade" is just about 1/16th of an inch thick, terminating in a sharp point.  It  measures 4 inches long by 5/8ths inches wide.  The overall length is 6 3/8ths inches.  Outstanding original condition.  A particularly nice example of utilitarian scrimshaw at an amazingly low price!  `Wish we could buy them for this.  WAS $295  NOW! 149

Not available or for sale in California.  Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.86   CARVED POLAR BEAR.  Particularly charming full body carving of a ferocious polar bear.  This expertly-carved Eskimo sculpture is made from solid Walrus tusk.  It depicts the bear standing on his haunches with mouth agape showing his fearsome teeth and boldly colored red tongue.  Inset into his head are two dots of black whale baleen depicting his eyes.  The carving is especially well done and has acquired a nice authentic age patina.  4 ¾ inches tall by 1 ¼ inches wide and 2 inches deep.  A most unusual example of Eskimo scrimshaw.  Surely a solid $1,000 value.  695

Not available or for sale in California.  Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.83  SCRIMSHAW SWIFT CLAMP.  Truly exceptional mid-19th century or earlier clamp made for a yarn winder known as a "swift."  This superb example of the whaleman's folk art is carved from a single piece of solid whale tooth with inlaid panels of rare sea tortoise on 11 sides.  The size of the tooth required to make this item was really phenomenal.  Including the reticulated thumb screw it measures 5 ¾ inches long by 2 inches wide and 1 7/8 inches thick!  Workmanship is of the highest order with multiple fine lines on the clamp and 4 cut-out hearts and a diamond on the screw.  The threaded ivory screw operates properly and the clever internal clamp end is a flat ivory disc for a secure nonslip fit.  The clamp will fit a mounting thickness of ½ to 5/8 inches thick.  The top of the clamp is threaded to receive the shaft of a swift.  This would make a valuable finishing touch to an existing swift needing a clamp. 979

Not available or for sale in California.  Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.81 /11.64   SAILOR's SCRIMSHAW BLACKJACK.  Very rare early 1800's sailor-made weapon used by an American sailor for his personal protection.  This very handsome rope-laid device has two "working ends" consisting of lead-weighted knobs meticulously macraméd in tight Spanish hitching  on each end of the surprisingly flexible shaft made of whale baleen!  12 ½ inches long by 1 ¼  inches thick on the knobs and the baleen shaft is ½ inch thick.  A great sailor-made object with a huge amount of intrigue behind it!   895

During the 18th and 19th centuries a sailor literally took his life in his hands when going ashore in a foreign port.  Press gangs, "land sharks" and thieves lay waiting in every alley and dark corner to take advantage of an unsuspecting or inebriated victim.  With pointed knives and guns prohibited aboard ship, it came down to the seasoned sailor to equip himself with an acceptable means of self defense.  This most often evidenced itself in the form of a sailor's black jack -- also known as a "come along," head knocker, press-gang tool or "cosh."  The owner/maker took great pride in this personal protective tool, lavishing great care and skill in its construction.  Here is a wonderful whaling-related example in amazingly well preserved condition.

Not available or for sale in California.  Shipped from Massachusetts from Massachusetts.

4.79  CARVED EAGLE SCRIMSHAW.  Rare, especially handsome authentic scrimshaw in the form of a detailed American eagle head carved from a single sperm whale tooth.  This precise rendering depicts the elegant bird in exacting detail with a smooth hooked beak, nostril, piercing eyes and realistic plumage.  Adding to its appeal the eyes are accentuated by inlays of black baleen.  The carving measure 5 ½ inches long by 2 ¼ inches thick.  Outstanding original condition with no flaws.  The natural coloration of the core of the tooth and dentin were used effectively by the carver to enhance its realism.  1089

Not available or for sale in California.  Shipped from Massachusetts from Massachusetts.

4.78  SCRIMSHAW BUSK.  Very nice mid-19th century lady's corset busk profusely engraved with floral and geometric designs.  This classic example of the whaleman's artistry is done on a section of dense sperm whale panbone.  At the top is a symbolic vase with leafy contents.  Below is a heart with sweeping artistic arcs, followed by a compass rose surrounded by leafy sprays.  Below it is a charming image of a bird returning to its nest attending to its hungry chicks.  It is followed by a large diamond shape design and then a classic sailor pinwheel with 6 points.   Below it are more leafy sprays, an elongated diamond, and finally another compass rose which appears to be a nocturnal time telling dial with draped flags above 6 crab legs.  The entire busk is bordered by meticulously-engraved floral vines top to bottom.   It measures 13 ¾ inches long by 1 ½ inches wide and less than 1/8 inch thick.  Outstanding original condition.  Just as sturdy and pristine as it was when made around 170 years ago!  995

Current auction results indicate that period whalebone busks of this type are very much in demand by collectors, with the best examples selling for 5 figures.  While this busk is certainly not the all time best, it is definitely worthy of a mid to high-range collection.  Very reasonably priced!

Not available or for sale in California.  Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.76  IDENTIFIED SCRIMSHAW SWIFT.  Lovely mid-19th century scrimshaw swift (yarn winder) with the rare aspect of having an engraved presentation which identifies the recipient and thus the whaleship captain maker!  This large classic swift is beautifully made of sperm whale panbone and whale tooth.  There are 48 individual stays double riveted on the top and bottom cage collars which are turned of whale tooth ivory and bound with silver wire.  The outside stays are attached in two places with silver rivets and tied in 3s, top and bottom, with yarn.  The ivory cage collars revolve around the central whalebone shaft which is capped by a large ivory finial cup with decorative polychromed scribes.  Inlaid into its top is an early U.S. silver dime depicting a fasces, arrows and olive branches.  There is an adjustable clamp on the vertical whalebone shaft which elevates the cage to various diameters.   The spectacular barrel clamp for mounting is a work of art with numerous decorative turnings and scribes, exquisitely engraved with the recipient's name, "ELIZA A. SHERMAN."  She was the wife of Captain Daniel Sherman of the whaleship YOUNG PHOENIX.   The clamp has a threaded thumbscrew for mounting the swift on a table edge.  It is decoratively turned with polychromed scribes and is inlaid with a silver Liberty quarter dated 1854.  This scrimshaw swift is in absolutely outstanding original condition!  It measures 20 ½ inches tall and the cage expands to a working diameter of 21 inches.  It is rare to find any swift with a provenance or a date.  SOLD 

Captain Daniel Sherman, husband of Eliza A. Sherman, was master of the whaleship YOUNG PHOENIX homeported in New Bedford, Massachusetts.  On November 12, 1867 the ship embarked on a voyage to the Indian Ocean whaling grounds.  The lengthy voyage lasted 3 ½ years, but it was extremely profitable.  The ship sent home 758 barrels of sperm oil, 705 barrels of whale oil and 4500 pounds of baleen (whalebone).  Upon its return, April 22, 1871, it discharged an additional 860 barrels of sperm oil, 73 barrels of whale oil and another 672 pounds of baleen.

The logbook of the ship YOUNG PHOENIX, November 6, 1867 -  April 19, 1871 kept by Lucien A. Brott relates to a whaling voyage in the Indian Ocean.  It is held in the collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
The venerable whaleship YOUNG PHOENIX was a 3-mased ship of 377 tons built by Barstow & Holmes in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts in 1822.  At the time of its sailing under Captain Sherman she was owned by William Phillips & Son of New Bedford.

The ship had an usually long and productive career, but ultimately was lost in the ice off of Point Barrow, Alaska in the 1870s.  Contemporary accounts of her demise proliferated rumors that she continued to sail years afterward as a ghost ship borne on an ice floe!

4.72   RISQUÉ SCRIMSHAW.  Genuine antique scrimshaw carved in the form of two lovers on a couch.  This is an extremely rare form of exotic scrimshaw created in otherwise Puritanical 19th century America.  It is doubly rare in that it also constitutes an "adult action toy."  The two-piece presentation consists of a sofa carved of solid walrus ivory on which the lovers lay.  The solid ivory piece they are on is curved upward at their feet, so that pressing on the end produces a suggestive up and down motion consistent with "the act."  The carving, while primitive, is very detailed down to the female's face and hands and the decorative fleur-de-lis on the back of the sofa.  5 inches wide by 2 inches high and 1 1/8 inch deep.  A really charming, if not somewhat innocently humorous portrayal of the taboo subject matter of that era.  Genuinely rare!  1495

Not available or for sale in California.  Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.69  EEL SPEAR.  Genuine 19th century blacksmith forged black iron eel spear.  This early American piece was,made by American colonialist John Fordham.    It is an awesome example of the blacksmith’s skill which combines numerous individual components into a functional whole.  The work is certainly commensurate with the output of the whalecraft smithies outfitting American whaleships of the era, if not actually more complex.  This fearsome weapon consists of a central spear flanked by 4 barbs on either side.  The barbs are neatly stacked in sequence and rove through the base of the main spear where they are forge welded together.   The base continues into a split socket reminiscent of a whaler’s harpoon.  It terminates in an iron tab with two holes for attachment to a wooden pole.  The main blade is distinctively stamped “J. FORDHAM SAG HARBOR” 15 ½ inches long by 8 inches wide at the widest.  Excellent original condition with very light surface rust, with just enough color to give it an appealing old look.  449

4.67   SCRIMSHAW BODKIN.  Very nice, authentic late 19th century sewing punch known as a “bodkin” beautifully turned of solid whalebone,  This stout little implement made by a whaleman for his sweetheart has a bulbous head, with two concentric rings terminating in a gradually tapered cylindrical shaft with sharp tip.  This little example of genuine scrimshaw is in prefect original condition with a lustrous surface and a mellow creamy color.  3 3/8 inches long.  49

4.56/20.01  SCRIMSHAW CANE.   Excellent mid-19th century whaleman’s cane comprised of a beautifully-carved ivory knob with a stout whalebone shaft.  This talented scrimshander’s folk art walking stick has a knob in the form of an anatomically perfect fist holding a ball.  The fist, with early style ruffled cuff, is carved as nicely as we have ever seen, exhibiting detail between the fingers, fingernails and even veins in the back of the hand!  The knob is joined to its shaft with a baleen separator.  The shaft gradually tapers to a tip.  This stick measures 34 5/8 inches long and is 1 1/8 inches wide on the fist.  The whalebone shaft is just shy of 1 inch in diameter at the top, tapering to 3/8 inch at the tip.  Outstanding original condition in all respects having a light age patina.  This is a great cane!  1795

4.54  SCRIMSHAW LETTER OPENER.  Genuine mid-19th century American whaleman-made utilitarian scrimshaw in the form of a rarely found letter opener.  This unique example is constructed entirely of the dense panbone of a sperm whale’s jaw.  The long thin blade is slightly thicker down the middle, tapering to a fine edge on both sides.  It is attached to the handle with a perfect mortised fit using two silver rivets to hold it in place.  The joint is decoratively-rounded with a carved ridge at the base of the handle.  This letter opener measures 9 ¼ inches long overall.  The blade is 5 ¾ inches and the handle is 5 inches (accounting for the joint).  Outstanding original condition with a nice age patina indicative of its 150+ years.  329

Not available or for sale in California.  Shipped from Massachusetts.

4.66  SCRIMSHAW REFERENCE BOOKLET.  Edouard Stackpole, “Scrimshaw At Mystic Seaport,” 1958, The Marine Historical Association, Mystic, Connecticut, 1st Ed.  This book contains 53 pages in soft cover.  Fully illustrated in black and white.  It  is a study of the Mystic collection by an enthusiast who was curator for many years.  Mr. Stackpole gives a history of the art and discusses the whaling conditions which gave rise to it.  He also describes the processes used, choice of materials and how they were incorporated in this uniquely sailor folk art form.  Following Everett Crosby’s ground breaking “Susan’s Teeth and much about Scrimshaw” published in 1955, this is the second oldest book ever to be written about the subject.  Condition is excellent with only slight toning to the cover.  Literally scores of books and pamphlets have ensued in the following years.  Crosby’s book sells for well over five hundred dollars.   29.95

4.64  SCRIMSHAW REFERENCE BOOK.   Marius Barbeau. “All Hands Aboard Scrimshawing,” 1975, The American Neptune Society, Peabody Museum of Salem.  29 pages soft cover, fully illustrated in black and white.  A great little book which details origins of this American sailor folk art form with documented examples.  An interesting passage reads, “Numerous objects scrimshawed out of ivory, bone and wood, varied according to the whaler’s whims and materials.  They ranged between miniature and small pieces of equipment to furniture.  An extreme for it size is the Wedding Cake House at Kennebunk Landing, Maine, where the whole front of an old building and it dependencies, including the fence and two gates, were scrimshawed by its owners.”  Easy, informative reading, well documented with good photography.  As books on scrimshaw go, this is one of the earliest.  An absolute must for inclusion in the serious scrimshaw collector’s library. Perfect as new condition.  Rare availability, especially in this mint condition!  29

4.70  RARE WHALING PRINT.  Very scarce, original 19th century print entitled, “A WHALING STATION ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST.”  This period broadside is actually the front page of the famous 1800’s American publication “HARPER’S WEEKLY, Journal of Civilization” and is dated “”New York, Saturday, June 23, 1877.”  It is further titled “Drawn By Frenseny – [See Page 498].”  This black and white printing was subsequently hand-tinted in color, providing  a very pleasing presentation.  It is framed and matted in a contemporary gilt wooden frame with acid free mounting.  The back of this presentation bears an excerpt from page 498 which reads, “A WHALING STATION.  Here and there along the Coast of California may be found whaling stations, established chiefly by the Portuguese or Sandwich Islanders.  Our first-page engraving shows the general character of these stations, and manner in which the cutting out of the captured whales is carried on.  Watch is carefully kept from an elevated look-out, and the raising of a flag is the signal to the fishermen on the beach that whales are in sight.  The men instantly take to their boats and give chase to their prey.  Harpoon bombs and explosive guns are used to dispatch the whale as soon as the boat gets within striking distance, and the body is then secured and towed ashore where the blubber is stripped off.  It is tried out over ovens similar to those shown in the engraving. and the oil is collected in casks for shipping.  The whale most commonly taken in this manner is the “grey-back.”  A large one often yields a profit of several hundred dollars.”  9 ½ by 14 ½ inches sight, with frame measuring 14 ¾ by 20 inches.  Perfect original condition.  SOLD

This rare print is shown on page 118 of the book entitled “Kendall Whaling Prints.”  It is also depicted on page 145 of the Time-Life series book, “The Whalers.”

4.63/7.51  MONUMENTAL BOOK.  Magnificent “collector’s edition” of one of the most important literary works in American history, Herman Melville’s “MOBY DICK or The Whale.”  This special edition was printed in very limited numbers for The Easton Press, Norwalk, Connecticut in 1977.  Hard cover, illustrated, containing 615 pages it is of the highest quality.  The publisher’s page reads, “This book is printed on archival quality paper especially milled for this edition.  It is acid-neutral and conforms to all guidelines established for permanence and durability of the Council of Library Resources and the American Nation Standards Institute.”  The title page reads, “MOBY DICK, Or THE WHALE By HERMAN MELVILLE With An Introduction By Clifton Fadiman and Illustrated by Boardman Robinson.  Bound in Genuine Leather.“  The leather cover is beautifully embossed with gold in the traditional manner.  The end covers are silk-lined.  The end pages of the entire book are gilded.  The content is the exact work of this American classic.  Melville originally wrote “Moby Dick” in 1851.  It quickly gained notoriety as one of the most interesting novels of that era.  Embodied here is an exquisite compilation of that work in an absolutely highest quality presentation.  As new, unread condition after 42 years!  SOLD

4.52 S & P SHAKERS.  Matched pair of antique ivory salt and pepper shakers.  These obelisks are hexagonal in shape and are carved out of solid walrus tusks.  The lids are very finely threaded and unscrew for filling the hollows within.  The tops are perforated with 7 shaker holes each.  2 ½ inches tall by slightly larger than 1 inches across at the bases.  Excellent original condition with a nice, rich age patina.  The lids screw on and off smoothly and precisely. 89/pair 

4.45  SCRIMSHAW LETTER OPENER.  Particularly fine 19th century whaleman-made letter opener fashioned entirely of whale tooth with inlays of silver and abalone!  This rarely found form of scrimshaw features a long, thin blade carved out of a large whale tooth affixed to a whale ivory handle with a silver pin.  The sculpted handle features multiple inlays of abalone shell in the form of diamonds, leaves and an acorn with silver stems, a rectangle and a square with triangles.  Workmanship is of the highest order and the effect is most pleasing.  8 ½ inches long overall.  The blade measures 5 inches long and the handle is 3/8ths inch thick.  Fabulous original condition in all respects with a very nice age patina to the ivory.   The blade is slightly warped with age -- quite typical of items fashioned from ivory when it was still “green.”  Actually this is a good sign, indicating it was made aboard a whaleship!  A real rarity in scrimshaw, very reasonably priced for the very exquisite work it embodies. SOLD  

4.15  SCRIMSHAW REFERENCE BOOK.  E. Norman Flayderman, “Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders Whales and Whalemen,” 1972, N. Flayderman & Co., New Milford, Connecticut.  297 pages exclusive of index, hard cloth cover with dust jacket.  Often referred to as The Bible of Scrimshaw.  Those desirous of adding this cornerstone reference to their library need no further elaboration.  The entire book is in as new condition, the dust cover only has slightly worn edges.  245

4.96  REFERENCE BOOK, "The WHALERS."  Certainly our favorite amongst all of the wonderful, awarding winning Time-Life series books The Seafarers, authored by noted maritime historian, A.B.C. Wipple, and published by Time, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia in 1979.  This book chronicles one of the most dangerous and exciting pursuits in American maritime history.  It opens with the primitive whale fishery begun when America was a struggling colony and ends in the waning days of whaling when America had advanced to preeminence as the world's leading industrial nation.  The intervening years were dominated by the remarkable struggle between man and the largest beast on earth, played out thousands of times.  It yielded oil for the nation's lamps and raw materials for its manufacturing.  Every aspect of that industry, both at sea and ashore is covered here.  The lives of the men, their ships, sweethearts, and their ports of call -- all make for fascinating reading.  Then there was that most amazing by-product of the whaling industry  SCRIMSHAW!  Beautifully illustrated in color and black white, with original paintings, drawings, diagrams, photographs and more!   Hard faux leather cover, 173 pages exclusive of index.  Unused condition.   Absolutely “must have” for the scrimshaw collector and/or whaling historian.
 WAS 99 NOW 39

4.06  WHALING PAMPHLET.  The “Whale Fishery of New England,” State Street Trust Company, Boston in cooperation with the Old Dartmouth Historical Society of New Bedford, first published in 1915.  This edition 1968.  68 pages, soft cover, profusely illustrated with old black and white images.  “An account, with illustrations and some interesting and amusing anecdotes  of the rise and fall of an industry which has made New England famous throughout the world.”   A classic.  Good condition.  15