341 . POLYCHROMED ENGRAVED PORTRAIT OF A FULL-RIGGED SHIP ON STARBOARD TACK WITH SAILS SET ON CALM BLUE TINTED SEA , circa 1830s , engraved on a piece of sperm whale panbone with later surface applied gold painted theatre columns and the initials H . M . in the sky . The plaque later decorated with curtains and initials H . M . thought to be that of Herman Melville as explained in the Spring / Summer 2004 New Bedford Whaling Museum The Bulletin from Johnny Cake Hill “ An extraordinary discovery ... Technology reveals a Melville treasure .” Provenance : William J . Boylhart Collection . 15 x 20.5 millimeters
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