Very Large and Superb 19th Century Sailor’s Folk Art Scrimshaw Whale Tooth, circa 1850

Very Large and Superb 19th Century Sailor’s Folk Art Scrimshaw Whale Tooth, circa 1850, a sperm whale tooth (Physeter macrocephalus) engraved with a classic South Seas whaling scene, featuring a starboard side view of a Whale Ship Cutting-In a whale alongside, and four whaleboats lowered and in pursuit of two whales, two of them with boatstearers standing standing in the bow with harpoon raised at the ready; the reverse featuring a starboard side view of a ship under full sail with a house flag flying at mizzen peak and a polychromed American flag at the stern, and a Schooner also flying an American ensign, both approaching a mountainous island with a lighthouse (naively portrayed aslant on the hillside); all set on both sides on a finely detailed, busily engraved sea, and contained within specific vignette borders. This is a monumental tooth with truly superb sailor rendered scrimshaw with a talented and steady hand to the engraving and fine, accurate details to the ships and rigging with sheets and halyards, reef points, shading, consistent billowing of sails and flags, and correctly appointed whaleboats.

The tooth is in excellent condition, structurally sound with only tiny surface hairlines from age that do not penetrate into the tooth. The masterful artwork remains strong and clear, with the expected muting from time.

This piece of antique sailor’s folk art is engraved on a tooth from a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), is well over 100 years old, and is in full compliance with federal law as specified in the Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972), Endangered Species Act (1973), and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Director’s Order No. 210 (as amended 2014).

Measures: 7-1/4 in L x 3-3/8 in W

Weighs: 1 lb 11 oz