Art, Gold & Silver, Primitives & Rare Books
Lot 245:
Description
Important 19th century scrimshaw whale tooth engraved with a romantic maritime scene depicting a gentleman and lady standing beneath a wreath cartouche with a finely detailed sailing vessel beside them and a second ship vignette near the tip, surrounded by repeating geometric borders typical of sailor-made scrimshaw work of the whaling era. The tooth measures approximately 9 inches in length and weighs approximately 470 grams. Accompanying the piece are period lithograph portraits identified as George Robinson of Hudson, New York and his wife, establishing the family lineage associated with the carving. The scrimshaw descends through the Robinson family by way of Frederick Farrand, providing notable one-family provenance the object to an early Hudson River Valley maritime family. The tooth displays an aged patina with traditional engraving lines and retains strong decorative presence; a visible age crack and natural stress lines are present as shown, common to antique whale ivory. A compelling example of American maritime folk art with documented family association.
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