Rafael Osona's Annual Auction Catalog Rafael Osona Annual Catalog 2019 | Page 79

165. PAIR OF SCRIMSHAWED WALRUS TUSKS, mid 19 th century, the first engraved at the top with a full portrait of
Alexander the Great in full combat gear, above three maidens representing Liberty, Equality and Fraternity; flanked by an eagle with
Federal shield. On the right a perched eagle with star banner and phrase “Washington’s Own”, above a scene of a gentleman holding
a fainted female with long hair wearing a striped dress. The bottom scene is a 3-masted squared rigged ship flying a polychromed
American flag. The reverse with a single scene of a well-dressed Native American couple holding hands and very small ships and
seagull in the distance. The 2nd tusk engraved with a full-length portrait of an allegorical female figure above George Washington on
horseback over a landing eagle above a scene of archangel Gabriel appearing to three women at foot of the cross. The reverse with a
recumbent figure with a shield above the starboard portrait of the USS Portsmouth. On July 9, 1846 the USS Portsmouth, captained by
Commander John B. Montgomery, sailed into San Francisco Bay, with the intent of capturing the town of Yerba Buena from Mexico.
Length 18 ½ in. Width 2 ½ in.
3,000/5,000
Rafael Osona Auctions
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