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Aug 7, 2025
VIGNETTE ENGRAVER SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH
Mid-19th Century
Obverse depicts a gunship flying a U.S. Navy jack at the bow, a flag with two diamonds from the foremast, an American flag and a long streamer from the mainmast, and another American flag from the gaff. A lighthouse and the keeper's house are visible on the hilly coastline in the distance. Vignette at upper right depicts two houses under the shade of a tree. Reverse depicts a naval battle between a British and an American ship, probably from the War of 1812. Both vessels flying their nation's flags and assorted pennants and streamers. Scenes and vignette with fine line borders and decorative quarter fans at the upper corners, typical for the scrimshander.
Length 6.75".
Provenance:
The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Miklos.
Notes:
The Vignette Engraver's identity is yet to be uncovered, but several teeth by the same hand, all with the characteristic framed vignettes, have come to market at Eldred's. One, from the collection of Thomas Mittler and sold at the Marine Sale, July 20, 2017, Lot #11, is illustrated in "Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders, Whales and Whalemen" by E. Norman Flayderman (New Milford, Ct.: N. Flayderman & Co., Inc., 1972), p. 71 and 93. Another, sold at the Marine Sale, July 22, 2011, Lot #623, is illustrated in "Wandering Whalemen and Their Art: A Collection of Scrimshaw Masterpieces" by Alan Granby (Hyannis Port, Mass.: 2021), p. 115.
No significant wear or damages noted. **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.**
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.