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Aug 7, 2025
POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALEBONE BUSK CHRONICLING A SHIPWRECK AND LOVE STORY
Mid-19th Century
Story told from right to left, showing a brig at sea, the vessel dismasted in a storm, a marooned sailor meeting a native woman, and an American flag planted in rockery, presumably signifying the sailor's return home. The tale concludes with the sailor and his island bride at their wedding, the couple holding hands while standing on a checkered floor in front of a window and beneath drapery swags. Faint script lettering on reverse, possibly "Shipwreck". A wonderfully engaging piece of American folk art.
Length 12".
Provenance:
Paul DeCoste.
Private Collection.
**This item is not available for international delivery. Please be aware of your local regulations regarding the sale of marine mammal parts and bid accordingly. **
Almost imperceptibly warped. Typical scattered spotting but generally well preserved.
The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction.
SHIPPING: We require prompt payment and removal of your purchases as stated in Paragraph 12 of our Conditions of Sale. Arrangements to pick up or ship your purchases must be made within seven (7) days from the close of the auction. All items must be removed from Eldred's facilities within fourteen (14) days of the close of the auction. All items remaining after fourteen days may be subject to a $5/per item/per day storage fee. No items will be released unless storage fees are paid in full. Items remaining over thirty (30) days from the close of the auction may be sold for the buyer's account minus auction and storage fees. SHIPPING OF PURCHASES Shipping is not included in the purchase price. Eldred's is happy to help coordinate and recommend shipping agents. PICK-UP OF PURCHASES If you plan to pick up your purchases, please call ahead and we'll make every effort to have your items ready. Items in this auction may be located at an outside storage facility, so please call ahead.