Scrimshaw - for Delia
Hi Delia! Here are a few more from the collection ~Judy
He collected Revolutionary war and Civil was memorabilia.
Inherited
No
Hi Judy,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Scrimshaw collectors generally prefer teeth with nautical decoration, with more decorated teeth bringing a premium.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, these are:
A mid 19th Century English or American scrimshaw whale's tooth
Minimal decoration, depicting the profile portrait of a lady
6 3/4-inches long
PROVENANCE: inherited from a collector of Revolutionary and Civil War memorabilia
$100-150*
TOGETHER WITH
A mid 19th Century American Civil-War inspired scrimshaw whale's tooth
decorated with laurel garlands entwining the words FAIR OAKS / VICKSBURGH / SHILO CHURCH
approximately 10 inches long
PROVENANCE: inherited from a collector of Revolutionary and Civil War memorabilia
$300-500*
TOGETHER WITH
A Commemorative Civil War scrimshawed ivory "tooth"
circa 1865
Depicting the portrait of Elias R. Dennis beneath an eagle bearing a banner inscribed LIBERTY, all over a presentation inscription that reads "Presented by / All Ranks / 30th Reg Inf / To Our Colonel / Mobile Alabama / 1865
about 7 1/2 inches long; possibly from a longer piece of elephant ivory or walrus tusk
PROVENANCE: inherited from a collector of Revolutionary and Civil War memorabilia
$400-600*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
Yes, happy to answer any questions - fire away!
I have an interested party but he is saying that the Elias Dennis tooth has no curve throughout the body or at the tip, making him think it could very well be a section of an elephant or less likely walrus tusk. Can you confirm?
From the photo, it looks to me like there's a curve - is he seeing the same photos I am? Can you send me a photo of the tooth in profile?
I'm afraid that does look a bit suspect to me - they shouldn't be quite that straight. It could be honed from a section of elephant or walrus tusk as you say but the description and value should change; I'll make the change in the description above.
Did you see the new photo?
The new photo that I did see shows a view of the "tooth" looking up from the bottom
Hi Delia! I have a question for you. Is this the best place to contact you? ~Judy