Antique Scrimshaw Whale Tooth with American Brig

Antique Scrimshaw Whale Tooth with American Brig and Classic Mourning Scene, circa 1850, an engraved sperm whale tooth with image of an American Brig under full sail, with American ensign at stern pennant at fore peak and house flag at main peak, on calm stylized ocean; the reverse has a classic mourning scene with obelisk on plinth, illegibly inscribed base, and a dove atop a weeping willow tree.

The artwork remains well inked, and the tooth remains in strong and stable condition, with a couple of small age checks.

This sailor’s folk art scrimshaw is engraved on the tooth of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), is well over 100 years old, is fully compliant with the Endangered Species Act (1973) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972), and is completely legal for interstate commerce under federal law.

Measures: 5-5/8 in H x 2-1/2 in W x 1-1/4 in Deep