4. Scrimshaw & Whaling

4.49   HARPOOONER STATUE.  Handsome finished brass doorstop or bookend.  This high quality casting depicts the original famous bronze statue in front of the New Bedford, Massachusetts Library by Bela Lyon Pratt entitled “The Whaleman” 1913.  It is faithful to the original with fine detail showing the muscular harpooner in the bow of his whaleboat ready to deliver the coups-de-gras.   Backed by flying seagulls, the inscription reads “A DEAD WHALE OR A STOVE BOAT.”  On the reverse it reads” “IN HONOR OF THE WHALEMAN WHOSE SKILL , HARDIHOOD AND DARING BROUGHT FAME AND FORTUNE TO NEW BEDFORD AND MADE ITS NAME KNOWN IN EVERY SEAPORT OF THE GLOBE.”  7 inches tall by 7 ½ inches long and 5 inches wide.  The bottom bears the maker’s label of “The Philadelphia Manufacturing Company, The Finest of American Craftsmanship.”  Perfect original condition retaining its bright antique brass finish.  Very heavy.  295

4.50  EARLY AMERICAN HARPOON.   Authentic first half of the 19th century whaling harpoon identified both by its maker and the famous whaleship on which it was used.  This early “double-flue iron” predates the more common “toggle iron” invented in 1848.  It is boldly marked by the maker “JT” on one side and is ship-marked “B ARAB” on the other.  The distinctive “arrow head” is a classic form synonymous with the early with the Yankee whale fishery.  The entire harpoon is expertly forged of black iron with a “split cone” which was swaged onto a harpoon pole, designed to fall away once the whale was struck.   35 ¾ inches long by 3 ¾ inches wide at the arrow tip.  Outstanding original condition showing great age and use but no rust or damage.  A museum-quality example from the very early American whale fishery. 2795

A very rusted out example of a nearly identifcal harpoon of indistinct origin recently was sold by an East Coast dealer for $2,850. No history of the ship was given.

The Bark ARAB of Fairhaven, Massachusetts was one of the first ships in the fledging Yankee whaling fleet.  She had a long, profitable career which lasted through the end of the Civil War:

HISTORY of the BARK “ARAB” of FAIRHAVEN, MASSACHUSETTS
1831   Launched as a 3-masted bark of 271 tons.

1831  Departed for the Pacific on October 14  under Captain Samuel Barker.  Returned December 17, 1834.   Cargo of 1,343 barrels of Sperm Whale Oil.

1835  Departed for the Pacific on June 23 under Captain Charles C. Russell.  Returned March 11, 1836.  Cargo of 360 barrels of Sperm Whale Oil and 2,400 barrels of Whale Oil.

1837  Departed for the South Atlantic under Captain Russell on June 26.  Returned September 17, 1839.  Cargo of 417 barrels of Sperm Whale Oil and 1,773 barrels of Whale Oil.

1840  Departed for the Indian Ocean under Captain Withington on April 30.  Returned June 2, 1843.  Cargo of 428 barrels of Sperm Whale Oil, 1,735 barrels of Whale Oil and 13,600 pounds of Baleen.

1843  Departed for the Indian Ocean and the Pacific under Captain Withington on August 116.  Returned September 17, 1846.  Cargo of 80 barrels of  Sperm Whale Oil, 1,000 barrels of Whale Oil, and 17,000 pounds of Baleen.

1846  Departed for the Indian Ocean on December 3 under Captain L.F. Terry.  Returned on February 12, 1850.  Cargo of 450 barrels of Sperm Whale Oil, 1,450 barrels of Whale Oil and 2,000 pounds of Baleen.

1850  Departed for the Indian Ocean August 7 under Captain Snell.  Returned April 7, 1852.  Cargo of 735 barrels of Sperm Whale Oil,  1,735 barrels of Whale Oil and 29,000 pounds of Baleen.  Sent home 29 barrels of Sperm Whale Oil, 909 barrels of Whale Oil and 12, 000 pounds of Baleen.

1853  Departed for the North Pacific on October 3 under Captain Asa E. Copeland .  Returned May 9, 1857.  Cargo of 626 barrels of Whale Oil.  Sent home 812 barrels of Whale Oil and 1,297 pounds of Baleen.

1858  Departed for the Atlantic and Indian Oceans  September 14 under Captain William Washburn.  Returned April 23, 1860.  Cargo of 2,000 barrels of Whale Oil and 1,000 pounds of Baleen.

1861  Departed October for the Atlantic October 16 under Captain Joseph P. Nye.  Returned September 24, 1862.  Cargo of 447 barrels of Sperm Whale Oil.  Sold to New Bedford to replace the loss of the whaleship ALERT which was sunk by the Confederate raider ALABAMA.

1862  Departed December 23 for Hurd’s Island under Captain Edwin Church .  Returned June 8, 1864 .  Cargo of 2, 241 barrels of Whale Oil.

1865  Departed  August 8 for Hurd’s Island under Captain Church.  Returned June 6, 1866.  Cargo of 35 Barrels of Sperm Whale Oil, 2,061 Whale Oil and 3,900 pounds of Baleen.  Sold to New Bedford interests in 1867.

(Alexander Starbuck, “History of the American Whale Fishery,” Waltham , Massachusetts, 1878)

The whalecraft mark “JT” is a bit of an enigma.  It is not found in the landmark reference book by Thomas Lytle, “Harpoons & Other Whalecraft.”  No examples are held in the prestigious collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.    Yet, according to Dr. Stuart Frank, Curator Emeritus of the Museum, who has examined this harpoon, examples of JT harpoons are known and have been attributed to a New York blacksmith.

4.05  LARGE EXQUISITE CROCHET NEEDLE.  Amazing carved sailor’s work embodied in a very detailed crochet knitting needle made from the solid, very dense bone of a sperm whale’s jaw.  This lovely example of 19th century sailor folk art could be confused with ivory, it so dense and pure.  It consists of a delicately-carved hand at the top holding a rose.  Below are several tiers of architectural carvings including 2 sets of capture balls within fluted columns.   The bottom third exhibits several more carvings and intricate cross hatchings terminating in a tapered tip with a very fine crochet hook.  Workmanship is of the highest order.  8 1/8 inches long.  Outstanding original condition with a nice age patina.  One of the best!  A $1500 value.  695

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

4.07  CHARMING SCRIMSHAW CROCHET NEEDLE.  A very delicate, precisely-carved knitting/crochet needle fabricated from the dense panbone of a sperm whale.  This expertly carved specimen features a diminutively-carved hand at the top holding a hammer!  The hammer is individually carved and actually moves freely within the grasping hand!  Below, the body of the needle is copiously decorated with carvings and embellishments.  Interestingly, as an indication of age and environment, one side is darkly incised while the reverse is nearly pure white.  6 ½ inches long.  Outstanding original condition in all respects.  WAS $795 NOW! 295

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

1.00/4.48  PERIOD WHALING PRINT.  Very, very scarce mid-19th century American chromolithograph depicting a dramatic whaling scene.  This classic depiction shows a huge sperm whale spouting in a flurry as it is attacked by two whaleboat crews.  In the foreground the oarsmen pull hard as the mate in the bow readies his lance.  The other crew has been capsized by the angry whale’s flukes and the hapless men are tossed head over heels into the sea as their boat is being crushed.  In the distance the mother ship can be seen cutting in.  A blanket piece is hoisted on the port side and the tryworks are boiling as smoke rises out.  The scene is boldly titled “MITCHELL & CROASDALE successors to B. W. Ridgeway & Co. DEALERS IN SPERM, WHALE, LARD & TANNERS OIL, CANDLES, RICE & c. No. 30 Nth WHARVES, ABOVE ARCH ST. PHILADELPHIA.”  It is signed lower left “Printed by Wagner & McGuigan” and on the lower right “Lith by W.H. Rease. N.E Cor. 4th & Chesnut St.”  The entire scene measures 10 by 13 inches sight.  It has been professionally framed with French matting under glass measuring 15 ¾ by 19 ½ inches.  The simple but very nice rich hardwood frame with full paper backing measures 18 ¾ by 19 ½ inches.  Excellent original condition noting a light fold down the middle.  The original image is excellent for an original print of this type approximately 160+ years old.  Bargain priced 795

4.46   SCRIMSHAW BLOCK.  Most exceptional whaleman-made scrimshaw block constructed entirely of sperm whale tooth with baleen sheaves!  This impressive 19th century working example of the whaleman’s decorative art was probably never intended for actual use, but rather as a demonstration of the sailor’s prowess in constructing such a device.  It consists of a 3 sheave block with cheeks made of whale tooth ivory with the sheaves made of turned black whale baleen.  The 4 cheeks are riveted together with brass pins.  Then it was fitted in a seamanlike manner with a rope-strop binding with brass thimble eye for attachment.  Execution is of the highest order.  The weaving of the stropping is delicate and meticulous.  4 ¼ inches tall overall by 1 ¾ inches wide.  The block itself measures 2 ½ inches tall and slightly over 1 inch thick.  Excellent original condition in all respects showing good age and no damage.  A rarity exemplifying the ultimate in the whaleman’s scrimshaw skills.  A significant addition to even the most advanced whaling collection.  1295

4.43  SCRIMSHAW PIE CRIMPER.  Stout, very bold mid-19th century jagging wheel made entirely of whale tooth ivory and baleen.  This elegant example of the whaleman’s folk art consists of a thick ivory handle with decorative circular inlay of baleen on both sides.  Alternating layers of baleen form a decorative “separator” leading to the crenelated jagging wheel and a 4-tined fork.  The wheel is pinned with a silver axle.  Interestingly one tine of the fork has warped with age.  This is actually a good sign that the crimper was made aboard ship when the tooth “green,” as recently taken from the whale.  6 ½ inches long by 1 inch thick and 3 inches wide.  Excellent original condition with a good age patina.  579

4.47  DECORATIVE SCRIMSHAW BODKIN.  Unusual antique bodkin made entirely of the dense panbone of a sperm whale.  This whaleman-made sewing article was delicately turned using 4 ridges and 2 humps along its tapering shaft.  The top is a roundel with a hole to accommodate a string or ribbon.  But what sets this example apart from so many others is the fact that it was scrimshawed by its maker with club-like dots on the two humps and a vine-like vignette on its long shaft.  3 1/8 inches long by 3/8 inches thick.  Excellent condition.  129

4.40   SCRIMSHAW SPOOL HOLDER.  Very unusual whaleman-made device used to display thimbles of thread in an elegant manner.  This scrimshaw sewing stand consists of three whalebone columns holding early wooden spools of thread.  The columns each have a flattened handle at the top for removal.  The entire body of the unit is beautifully-turned solid mahogany.  It consists of 2 tiers supported by elaborately-carved whalebone columns.  At the bottom are three equally well-carved bone “feet.”  This charming device was obviously made by the whaleman as a thoughtful present to his seamstress wife.  Emphasis on the ability to excel in sewing was paramount in the upbringing of young wives in the 1800’s, as evidenced by school girl ‘samplers’ and other examples of their knitting and sewing prowess.  5 1.2 by 3 ½ inches in diameter.  Condition is outstanding and original.  This is truly a unique example of scrimshaw which not only incorporates island products encountered on a voyage, but also alludes to the sailor’s need to recognize his wife’s sacrifices during a long whaling voyage.  A most representative piece of intimate scrimshaw from the mid-1800’s.  WAS $795 NOW ! 495

Literature:  Robert Ball, “Nautical Antiques,” 1994, Schiffer Publishing Co., Atglen, Pa.  This very item is pictured on page 98 with the caption “Fine scrimshaw thread holder for 6 or 9 spools of thread.  Made of a turned wood center post joining a circular top and base and supported by three turned whalebone posts with three whalebone pins to hold the spools.  Three egg-shaped feet.  Ca. mid-nineteenth century.  Height 5.”

4.39  BALEEN BUSK.  Classic mid-19th century whaleman-made corset busk beautifully embellished with scrimshaw scenes indicative of the period.  At the top is an elaborate heart the periphery of which is lined with recurring X’s and |||.  In its center are floral sprays.  Below it is an 18th C. house with Towering tree.  Below it is a lovely rose followed by a circular cartouche containing stars .  At the center is woman carrying a flag.  This image is ironically reminiscent of the moon landing!  Below it is another X and ||| division, then a tall church with steeple.  It is followed by a broadside portrait of a lovely maiden in her apron carrying what appears to be fruit.  Below her is a four-leaved ribbon bow, then finally another elaborately-decorated heart.  All of the vignettes are bordered by floral sprays.  To be sure there is some worming characteristic of this mid-19th century folk art form – yet a sure sign of its age.  Fortunately it is on the periphery and does not impact the images at all.  13 3/8 inches long by 1 ½ inches wide.  A very good example of this type of sailor scrimshaw at a very reasonable price.  395

4.35  CLOTHESPINS.  Grouping of two 19th century sailor-made clothespins.  These classic examples of working sailor scrimshaw are turned with decorative scribe lines from the dense panbone of a sperm whale.  Varying in length and form, both were effectively designed for actual use.  They have turned bulbous knobs giving way to long slotted limbs with surprisingly stout flexibility.  4 ¾ and 5 ¾ inches in length.  Both are about ¾ inches in diameter.  Excellent original condition exhibiting good age patina from actual use.  195

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

4.33  SCRIMSHAW FID/AWL.  Original 19th century whaleman-made example of working scrimshaw embodied in a small ropeworking fid or awl (punch).  This fine specimen consists of a turned bulbous islandwood handle stoutly affixed to a whale ivory shaft with pointed tip.  The knob is rove through to accompany a thong.  5 ¾ inches in length by 1 ½ inches in diameter on the knob.  The whale tooth shaft is ½ inch at its thickest.  Excellent original condition showing good use but no abuse.  An especially effective compact design of this type of sailor’s tool for rope splicing and sail mending.  189

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

4.27  SCRIMSHAW REFERENCE BOOK.   Nina Hellman and Norman Brower, “A Mariner’s Fancy,” 1992, South Street Seaport Museum, Balsam Press.  Glossy soft cover, 93 pages exclusive of Index, richly illustrated in color and black and white.  Long time nautical antiques dealer Nina Hellman was one of the pioneers in her field, beginning in the late 1960’s.  Evidence of her early expertise was published in 1975 by author Jacqueline Kranz in the reference book “American Nautical Art and Antiques” in which Kranz drew heavily from Hellman’s inventory.  Moving to Nantucket in the midst of her career, the author, along with her husband Robert, came to be known as two of the foremost experts in America’s whaling industry and the artful whalemen’s hobby known as “Scrimshaw.”  Here, in collaboration with Norman Brower, curator at South Street Seaport Museum, and his knowledge of New York as a whaling port, the two have effectively compiled a photographically documented treatise on both topics.  Ms. Hellman’s section entitled “A Mariner’s Fancy:  The Whaleman’s Art of Scrimshaw” is subtitled, Yankee Whaling, New York and the Whaling Industry, The Whaleman’s Life and the Origin of Scrimshaw, The Nature of Scrimshaw, The Teeth, Whaling Scenes Patriotism and Ships, Identifying Scrimshaw Artists, Women, Homesickness and Sentimentality, The Sailor Personified, Other Subjects, British Scrimshaw, Other Forms, Pie Crimpers and other Domestic Articles, Canes, Ditty Boxes and Trinkets, Busks, Needlework Items, Scrimshaw Walrus Tusks, The Eskimos, and Scrimshaw After the Whaling Period.  Mr. Brower’s section is a brief but concise of the history of New York whaling form 1705 to its demise in 1879.  The entire book is profusely illustrated with wood block prints, lithography, and exquisite modern photography of antiques scrimshaw.  8 by 9 inches.  Author signed.  As new condition.  29

4.26  SCRIMSHAW SWORDFISH FID.  Very unusual sailor’s fid fashioned from the bill of a swordfish!  This authentic 19th century example of working scrimshaw consists of a swordfish bill which has been carved down to its bone-like surface on the smooth working end.  The  handle increases in size and terminates in a decorative silver cap and screw.  The highly textured surface of the bill offers an exceptional grip.   Just shy of 8 inches long.  The handle is 4 1/8th inches long by ¾ inch wide at the thickest.  Excellent original condition.  A rarity!  129

4.23 UNUSUAL BODKIN. Precisely-made made 19th century scrimshaw bodkin.  This authentic example of the whaleman’s art consists of a miniature fid turned entirely from a sperm whale’s tooth.  It has several fine decorative scribe lines along its length and 4 raised bulbous bands.  But what is truly unique about this scrimshaw is that it was made in two separate sections.  The actual purpose of this construction is not clear, but it is beautifully executed.  2 ¾ inches in length and a mere 3/8 inches in width.   A genuine bargain in light of current auction prices for similar items ranging from $300-600, and especially due to its unique composition.  99

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

4.24  CASK MEASURING STICK.  Very scarce, genuine 19th century whaleman-made measuring stick used to ascertain the quantity of oil in a barrel of whale oil.  This elegant example of whalecraft in the form of scrimshawlooks like a delicate walking stick of the era.  But in fact it is a functional whaling tool!  It consists of a 4-sided shaft made of solid rosewood with riveted whale ivory ends.  The whale tooth ivory tip is pointed.  The shaft is also gently tapered its entire length.  Of particular importance is the fact that it has inlaid sterling silver dots spaced along one side at specific intervals. The stick measures 36 inches long.  At  exactly its mid-point, 18 inches, are 4 inlaid silver dots on all sides obviously indicating “1/2.”  Less clear as to their meaning, are an additional 16 dots at specific intervals.  This antique “dip stick” is in beautiful original condition with absolutely no flaws.  A rarity in the world of Yankee whaling – much rarer than its scrimshaw cane cousins which sell in the thousands.  SOLD

4.20  NYE OIL.  Scarce, fine unopened bottle of Nye whale oil made in the 19th century.  This mint bottle has full original paper labels front and back.  The front reads (in part) “NYOIL 4 Oils Combined For Lubricating Cleaning Polishing and Preventing Rust… The Most Highly Refined Oil That Has Yet Been Produced…Manufactured By Wm F. Nye, New Bedford . Mass. U.S.A.”  The top of the label bears the iconic logo of the company – A whale in a flurry attacked by a whale boat with the mother ship in the background.  The label on the back extols directions and uses of the old, reading “Contains No Acid And Will Not Gum or Stain.”  The bottle retains its original cork stopper with serrated paper sunburst seal covering at the top.  Complete original contents.  As an added value this presentation offers its original cardboard box with an image of the bottle reading “Manufactured By William F. Nye New Bedford Mass. U.S.A." The box is generally intact but toned with age and the top flaps are tattered.  The bottle measures 6 ½ inches tall.  The box is 6 7/8 by 2 by 1 ¼ inch.  Certainly a rare find in this complete, unopened condition.  295

4.12  WHALEBONE CLOTHESPINS.  Matched set of 9 individually hand-made clothespins turned out of the dense whalebone from a sperm whale’s jaw called “panbone.”  This diminutive set is a demonstrable example of utilitarian scrimshaw produced by the whalers in the 19th century.  Each is shaped with a bulbous top and a tapered body with a slot to fit on the clothesline.  All have identical decorative scribe lines at the “waste” above the slot.  2 ¾ inches long each.  Outstanding original condition.  A rare matched set.  289

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.  WAS $249  NOW! 95

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

4.10  CARVED IVORY SALT SHAKER.  Nicely fashioned utilitarian scrimshaw in the form of a polar bear, with the dual function of being a table piece.  This cute little carving is fashioned from walrus tusk ivory.  The realistic bear’s features include five small holes between his ears.  On the bottom is a 5/16 inch diameter hole for filling the salt, then presumably plugged with a cork.  Likely Eskimo-made for the Alaskan tourist trade in the early 20th century.  2 ½ inches tall by 1 1/4 inches wide.  Excellent original condition.  95

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

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

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

4.11   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

4.04 WHALEMAN’s COMPANION.   Most unusual mid-1800’s sailor’s eating utensil fashioned from whale baleen and whale tooth ivory!  This unique item of utilitarian scrimshaw was entirely hand-carved and meticulously-decorated with obvious pride by its esurient maker.  It is a fine example of cutlery cleverly made in 2 parts, hinged in the middle to form a double ended spoon and fork.  The fork is delicately-carved of whale ivory with 4 tines narrowing to a carved handle decoratively cross hatched.  It is fitted with a pivoting hook riveted to a brass hinge.  The hook aligns with a brass eye on the handle of the spoon, locking the utensil open.  The spoon, carved of black whale baleen, also has a riveted brass panel for support.  The tapering baleen handle extends to the elongated bowl of a carved spoon.   The entire apparatus measures 9 inches long overall.  The spoon measures 4 5/8 inches long by 1 3/8 inches wide.  The fork is 4 3/8 inches long and 1 inch wide.  This clever device is in a remarkable state of original preservation.  As is often the case, ancient baleen shows slight signs of worm eating – a good indication of authenticity and not the least bit detracting from its appeal and/or value.  This item is incredibly more scarce than a typical pie crimper of the era! SOLD

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

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.

4.92 OOSIK. 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.

4.95  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. WAS $250. NOW! 95

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

4.86   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 going ashore weapon made and used by an American sailor for his personal protection.  Known by a variety of terms including "cosh, cudgel, trunchyeon and bludgeon" 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 whale baleen shaft!  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!

4.67   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

4.54  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.

4.63/7.51  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

4.15a  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.  WAS $295 NOW! 99

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