Scrimshaw, walrus tooth, ivory, marine engraving, fishing, sperm whale, anchor, fisherman, 19th century
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Scrimshaw* on a finely engraved walrus tooth (marine ivory), depicting a sperm whale fishing scene on one side with a marine anchor; on the other a sailor or fisherman standing at the top of a ship's mast, from the 19th century.
This scrimshaw is in good overall condition.
Please note: slight nicks and small cracks on the edge of the ivory, some scratches and wear consistent with age, see photos.
* Scrimshaw: This English term refers to the craft of engraving made by whalers on products derived from various marine mammals. These engravings are primarily done on the bones and teeth of sperm whales or the baleen plates of baleen whales, as well as on the tusks of walruses or narwhals.