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This mystery artist has the initials GAM which are on each of a series of five scrimshaws on a sterling silver bracelet. The work was more than likely done in the late 70’s to early 80’s. This particular item was done in full color, which I’ve not seen very often, and was well taken care of – the colors are still vivid. Most times they were done with black ink only.
“Story bracelets” as they are known were quite popular, Al Doucette, a modern scrimshaw artist making quite a number of them during the 1970’s through into this century. The stories vary from the sorrowful goodbye and happy return to life on the shores and on the ship, “made for their beloved during their idle times at sea”, or so the story goes. Whaling was a rough life with little to show for it unless you were the captain or the owner of the vessel, and many scrimshaws of practical use were made to enhance the salaries of the sailors.
With the renewed interest of scrimshaw starting in the early nineteen sixties (President John F. Kennedy was an avid collector of scrimshaw), these bracelets became popular since they were easily worn and carried – much easier than lugging a whale’s tooth in one’s purse. I’m not sure if there are any that were made before that time.
And here we are in the twenty first century, mementos of distant and recent ages being passed down often with scant memories of their parents or grand parents stories of when they had gotten their treasured items, often dates and general locations are remembered, and little known of the artists whose practiced hands wrought the pictures and jewelry.
The “Mystery Artist” blogs as well as some other sites (such as Jim Steven’s site) hope to add the names and histories of the artists. Can you help? Any information about the artist “GAM” would be appreciated, and will add to the stories of the scrimshaws themselves that are treasured to this day. Please feel free to contact us through this site with any information you may have.
Ivan writes: “I purchased this during a snowstorm in Provincetown about 45 years ago. The seller was desperate to get to his shop in the Bahamas and I bargained for it because I had never seen a slice of whale tooth scrimshaw with a Chinese dragon done in such exquisite detail. I’ve searched for years but have not been able to identify the artist. The initials are either RET or BET. Please post in your mystery artist section; I’m not willing to give up yet.”
Some better pictures may show the grain more clearly (I’m emailing for more pics), though I believe I see some of the “tapioca” pattern of walrus tusk in the center. Hoping to get pictures of the back and of the edge as well for better identification of the material.
The initials “BET” are currently in the unresolved initials on the site https://www.scrimshawstudio.com/scrimshaw-artsist-marks-and-signatures/ – a great resource for looking up scrimshaw artists marks. The picture of the signature is at about #186. I’ll be updating this post as more information arrives.
Thanks to Debra for the information! “The artists name is Andhi Spaeth. He was employed by Heinz Lange, Northwest Arts and Crafts, Seattle Washington. …”
“… There is a video on YouTube – SCRIMSHAW IVORY COLLECTION Heinz Lange Estate – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6medsilCG4 “
Contacted through Etsy, the owner recently aquired this scrimshaw on what appears to be mammoth tusk. Crisp and beautifully rendered, the scrimshaw is mounted on a wooden stand. I really enjoy looking at this piece – the contrast, even the lightest lines are wonderfully thought out.
The person he bought it from stated they had purchased it about 40 years ago in a small town in Alaska, and it was told to them Andhi is (was) a native.
Anyone know the artist or the history of the piece? Please add your comments below.
A beautifully detailed ship and expertly stylized sailor scrimshaw on what appears to be stabilized bone or walrus tusk. I haven’t seen any material like this before. The rope framing is well done, and there may be additional initials under the sailor’s arm looking like “LB” or LS?
It was a gift from someone in the northwest, and the current owner would love to find out more information about it. A simple mounting and additional marking of what appears to be “T 16-5-82” on the back. Any information about the artist and the material would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve looked through the scrimshaw artist marks and signatures (thank you for creating this, Jim Stevens!) and haven’t found a match. Please add to the comments below.
2024 – Additional scrimshaw pieces have surfaced in the Far North of New Zealand, “…a strong whaling area in the 1800s”. The initials are a little different, looking like a conglomeration of “PMJB” on one, and possibly “MJB” on the smaller one. The owner is looking for more information and possible value, including the material. The shape of the tall ship reminds me of cattle bone along with the grain to the right, but I’ve only worked on similar materials – it may be part of a tusk or tooth – a picture of the back may reveal more clues (I’ll ask).
Any help in identifying the artist and the materials would be helpful. Please respond in the comments below!
A rustic scrimshaw possibly from the Nantucket area. Appears to be real, possibly scrimshawed by knife point or marlin spike. Scrimshawing on a ship at sea had to be difficult at best. The owner would love to know any information about it. The lures (one made in Japan) were always next to the whale tooth when they were displayed.
Any ideas about the artist? Please reply below.
