Rafael Osona's Annual Auction Catalog Rafael Osona Annual Catalog 2019 | Page 113

257. WHALER SCRIMSHAW SPERM WHALE TOOTH, ATTRIBUTED TO THE CERES A ARTISAN, William A.
Gilpin aboard the ship Ceres of Wilmington, Delaware (1834-1837), depicting a full portrait of Lady Hope with an anchor (the symbol
of sailing and sailors) and in front of a Federal shield symbolizing a patriot. Standing at shore’s edge with waves behind within a
typical pinwheel frame surmounted with a square-rigged ship and arched vine pediment. The reverse with a stern view of a ship in full
sail and finely rigged. Early drilled holes at the top and base suggest its use as a tabua before it was scrimshawed.
Height 7 ½ in. Width 3 in.
20,000/30,000
Reference: Stuart M. Frank, Ingenious Contrivances, Curiously Carved: Scrimshaw in the New Bedford Whaling Museum pg 33
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