Sailor’s Scrimshaw Whale Ivory Baleen and Exotic South American Snake-Wood Walking Cane
A Fine Sailor’s Scrimshaw Whale Ivory Baleen and Exotic South American Snake-Wood Walking Cane
The handle carved from a sperm-whale tooth in the form of an American eagle’s head
Circa 1860-70
Size: 89cm long – 35 ins long
The handle carved from a sperm-whale tooth in the form of an American eagle’s head
Circa 1860-70
Size: 89cm long – 35 ins long
The American eagle was a popular motif in the 19th century States especially during periods of high patriotic zeal. However, this walking cane may not have been meant to be patriotic, as for sailors the eagle held a different symbolic importance. As even the oldest birds continually renew their feathers, they were believed to be symbolic of eternal life and eternal love.
Sailor’s Scrimshaw Whale Ivory Baleen and Exotic South American Snake-Wood Walking Cane
SOLD
