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THBNautical Whale Tooth Scrimshaw Cane
About Seller
125 West Market Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
United States
Family-owned and family-run Johnson City Tennessee auction business for 25 years. Selling antiques and collectables for 38 years. Kimball M. Sterling, Inc. was founded and is owned by Kimball and Victoria Sterling, time and again, they have laid solid claim to world-wide attention and renown with an...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
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Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
About Auction
LiveJan 3, 2026
Masterpiece Cane auction is all from a Europeon collection. We offer items from this private collection about once a year, Kimball Sterling kimballsterling@earthlink.net
View Full Catalog (89)
- Lot Description
Ca. 1850
The single-piece knob is turned off a large sperm whale tooth, held in an upright fist, clenching what appears to be a rolled paper document. The fist is presented on an integral, elongated pedestal, skillfully crafted with multiple turned rings featuring a twisted, different, and well-matched rope pattern. The strong carving as well as the design exemplify the essence of sailor art, revealing the subtle structure of the tooth, soft, unstructured hues, and distinctive radiance.
The knob comes on an oak shaft and a long, spiked metal ferrule.
Made by the sailor himself entirely from resources available on the ship, this cane features a minimalist yet strong design and, remarkably, was well ahead of its day. The tooth originates from a whale, whereas the oak would come from a discarded beam.
In any case, the cane's attractive, well-used surface, the result of long years of careful use, further distinguishes it. It glows with a note that embodies the innate spirit of a seafaring artist, and a hand-contact-permeated surface imbued with the marks of enduring companionship.
The clenched fist evokes a myriad of opinions that all deserve serious consideration. Here, the previous US law and the long years of a knowledgeable custodian of this cane believed it was emblematic of ‘friendship’ and had historically been used by scrimshanders as a powerful symbol of protection, justice, and strength. The paper roll represents the United States Constitution, a landmark legal document of the Western world.
These walking sticks were never used aboard a whaling ship but were popular items for scrimshanders to create. Both valuable and ornamental, they served as keepsakes for family members at home or were sold to quayside traders upon the whalers' return to port.
H. 3 ¼” x 1 ½”, O.L. 36”
$800 - $1,000
On February 10th. 1844 Joseph Dias, boatsteerer and keeper of the log of the whaler “Clifford Wayne,” complained, “Nothing to do but make Canes to support our dignity with we (are) home.”
Americans, especially those from New England, have been fascinated by their maritime heritage since the Mayflower brought the Pilgrim Fathers to the shores of Cape Cod in 1620.
Maritime industries thrived when whaling was respected and integral to life. Indeed, marine canes are linked to seafaring and commerce, offering a glimpse into US history.
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