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Finely Engraved Sailors Scrimshaw Sperm-Whale Tooth (1800 to 1900 North America Azores)


Medium

Whaletooth

Provenance

Provenance: Ex English artists Private collection

Literature

This image was probably inspired by an American tattoo sample book of the late 19th century where designs of popular themes of the day were marked with the price for customers ranging from $4.00 for George Washington to 15 cents for a fouled anchor to 10 cents for a cross. It is also probable that this tooth was engraved to serve as an object of religious devotion on board ship.

Description / Expertise

A Finely Engraved Sailors Scrimshaw Sperm-Whale Tooth With an Unusual Image to one side of Christ on the Cross
Late 19th Century

Size: 21cm long – 8¼ ins long

SOLD