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Pair 19th Century Scrimshaw Whale Teeth, C 1840
Sold by Curious Antiques
sold SA737298
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

Curious Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
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Id #SA737298
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Pair 19th Century Scrimshaw Whale Teeth, C 1840

19th century
Sold 24 February 2025 · Curious Antiques
This “Pair 19th Century Scrimshaw Whale Teeth, C 1840” found a buyer.

It was listed by Curious Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique Sailor ArtNautical Marine ArtVintage Scrimshaw Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Pair of mid 19th century whale teeth with scrimshaw decoration, c 1840.They are a true pair with matching decoration which depicts birds in flight and perched.This is an unusual theme for scrimshaw and they are possibly American in origin.When I purchased them they were mounted on Mammoth ivory stands which were broken and they have been remounted for display purposes on wood stands (these can be easily removed if preferred).Overall condition is good with both teeth displaying minor age related cracks near the base.Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to view the items.

Size: Each tooth not including the base is approximately 13 cm tall x 5 cm wide x 4 cm deep and together they weigh 1 kg on the bases.

Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this Antique Scrimshaw Whale Teeth to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
5cm (1.97")
Depth
4cm (1.57")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA737298
Dealers Notes

Curious Antiques specialises in sourcing fine, rare and unusual antiques and curiosities. We are passionate about customer satisfaction and will do all we can to ensure you are happy and in the unlikely event you are not offer a no questions asked returns policy. We accept payment via paypal, bank transfer, cheque and cash.

Description
Pair of mid 19th century whale teeth with scrimshaw decoration, c 1840.They are a true pair with matching decoration which depicts birds in flight and perched.This is an unusual theme for scrimshaw and they are possibly American in origin.
“
When I purchased them they were mounted on Mammoth ivory stands which were broken and they have been remounted for display purposes on wood stands (these can be easily removed if preferred).
Curious Antiques

Overall condition is good with both teeth displaying minor age related cracks near the base.Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to view the items.

Size: Each tooth not including the base is approximately 13 cm tall x 5 cm wide x 4 cm deep and together they weigh 1 kg on the bases.

Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this Antique Scrimshaw Whale Teeth to the 19th Century.

Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
5cm (1.97")
Depth
4cm (1.57")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA737298
Curious Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Curious Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of nineteenth-century engraved scrimshaw whale teeth mounted on wooden bases, featuring detailed ink drawings of birds. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A pair of nineteenth-century engraved scrimshaw whale teeth mounted on wooden bases, featuring detailed ink drawings of birds. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Pair 19th Century Scrimshaw Whale Teeth, C 1840

Archive II A pair of nineteenth-century engraved scrimshaw whale teeth mounted on wooden bases, featuring detailed ink drawings of birds. View II
Archive III A pair of nineteenth-century engraved scrimshaw whale teeth mounted on wooden bases, featuring detailed ink drawings of birds. View III
Archive IV A pair of nineteenth-century engraved scrimshaw whale teeth mounted on wooden bases, featuring detailed ink drawings of birds. View IV
Archive V A pair of nineteenth-century engraved scrimshaw whale teeth mounted on wooden bases, featuring detailed ink drawings of birds. View V
Archive VI A pair of nineteenth-century engraved scrimshaw whale teeth mounted on wooden bases, featuring detailed ink drawings of birds. View VI
Enlarged Archival View

Curious Antiques
Telephone 07795 237 189
Location
Curious Antiques
Timeline Antiques Centre
Midland Road
North Walsham
Norfolk
NR28 9JR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 139
Items Sold 374
Curious Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Curious Antiques, Timeline Antiques Centre, Midland Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9JR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
139
Sold
374
A pair of nineteenth-century engraved scrimshaw whale teeth mounted on wooden bases, featuring detailed ink drawings of birds.
Pair 19th Century Scrimshaw Whale Teeth, c 1840
Ref: SA737298
A pair of nineteenth-century engraved scrimshaw whale teeth mounted on wooden bases, featuring detailed ink drawings of birds.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • Object[Decorative Objects]
  • Period19th century
  • Style[Maritime Folk Art]
  • Material[Whale ivory, Oak]
  • Colour[Cream]
  • MotifsEngraved bird illustrations, Natural curvature, Mounted display bases
  • SizeH 13 cm (5 in) x W 5 cm (2 in) x D 4 cm (2 in)

FAQs

Scrimshaw refers to scrollwork, engravings, and carvings done in bone or ivory, traditionally crafted by whalers during the 18th and 19th centuries using teeth and baleen from sperm whales.

Artisans typically utilised sperm whale teeth, walrus tusk, or bone, engraving the surface with pocket knives, needles, or sailmakers needles before rubbing dark substances like lampblack, soot, or tobacco juice into the incisions to highlight the design.

Authentic pieces exhibit natural yellowing, appropriate microscopic wear patterns, genuine age cracks known as checks, and authentic pigmentation methods under magnification, distinguishing them from resin or plastic replicas.

These historical objects integrate effectively into study spaces, libraries, or mantelpieces when displayed on custom mounts alongside other curiosities, nautical instruments, or vintage literature.

Ivory requires stable environmental conditions with moderate relative humidity to prevent cracking, and should be kept away from direct sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, and harsh chemical cleaning agents.
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