Sailors Scrimshaw Carved Sperm Whale Tooth Ivory Walking Cane
A Fine and Substantial Sailors Scrimshaw Carved Sperm Whale Tooth Ivory Walking Cane
The handle carved as a clenched fist gripping a coiled serpent. The shaft inlaid with baleen
Probably American
Mid 19th Century
Size: 87cm long – 34¼ ins long
The handle carved as a clenched fist gripping a coiled serpent. The shaft inlaid with baleen
Probably American
Mid 19th Century
Size: 87cm long – 34¼ ins long
This exceptional cane is octagonally carved from several large and heavy sperm whale teeth, with each section of the shaft carefully inlaid with whale baleen. The clenched fist is emblematic of ‘friendships hand’ and was used by scrimshanders to symbolise protection, justice and power, and the snake as a symbol of the unity of the colonies of the United States of America.
Similar walking canes wanted for stock
Please contact with details
Please contact with details
Sailors Scrimshaw Carved Sperm Whale Tooth Ivory Walking Cane
SOLD
