Tusk set
6 1/4" each
unknown
Inherited
Yes
Hi Jonathan,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Two molded and carved resin scrimshaw whale's teeth
In the manner of 19th Century American examples, one depicting "My Love Jayne" on one side, the an arctic whaleship on the reverse; the other tooth with a date 1840 and initials JHA, depicting on one side the ship Albatross, on the verso the steamer Thrasher.
each 6 1/4 inches long
CONDITION: appear to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: inherited
$200-300 each or $400-600 for the pair*
*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.
I'm still a bit nervous about these but will give them the benefit of the doubt. If they are examined in person and discovered to be synthetic, the value would be a fraction of what I've evaluated them at.
Just confirmed they are whale’s teeth made of resin?
Are you saying they are resin?
Yes
Thanks for confirming.
Value as resin is 1/10th of what they would be if they were real. I've amended the description and value.
How can one tell between resin and the real deal?
A number of ways, including striations, texture of the interior of the tooth (technically not a tusk) and growth rings at the end. If you heat a pin, the resin will melt whereas bone will singe.
I’ll send another picture