The Mystery scrimshaw artist for November 2012 scrimshawed a whale tooth and signed it “Mateus”. This is a whale tooth currently in Ontario Canada. “Mateus” is also the name of a wine as well as the name of a palace in Portugal. We’re not sure who the artist is or was – can you help? Below are the pics of the whale tooth and scrimshaw.
Update! See https://www.scrimshaw.com/mystery-artist-6-artist-possibly-found/
has done scrimshaw on some material other than ivory, but has done such good work, that another veteran scrimshander (who has been scrimming for 28 years) is looking for more information on the artist:
“…the plaques are on some kind of material other than Ivory I did not do a test but it does not feel or look like Ivory. I have had these apart and found nothing on the back.
“The plaque measures 3-1/2 x4-1/2 x 1/4in thick and is glued in a wooden frame. the reason I made the inquiry is that the scrimshaw is done so well, thinking maybe a reproduction of some kind. I have been doing scrim since 1984 so I have handled different materials,this is such a nice set I would like to know the artist. thank you for your help.
“Charles”
So – 1/4″ thick, glued into a wooden frame, no markings. Any clues or guesses? Feel free to write us at questions@scrimshaw.com.
6/22/2012 Our friends at scrimcollector.com helped shed some light on the subject:
Vintage Maritime Ship Wall Plaques were recently sold on eBay. According to the seller: “…I believe these were Victorian/Edwardian or later souvenier items, made to look like scrimshaw, moulded and glued in the man made frames which have been painted and backing cloth is no longer existing…”
7/26/2012 – Update:
“An anonymous artist has given us the following information: ‘The plaques pictured were created from several Master patterns on Resin plaques & replica whale teeth & walrus tusks..This was around 35 years ago… ” “…a company called Juratone who specialised in very high quality reproduction items….Such as scrimshaw netsuke & art deco bronze & ivory figures. …”
From Jenae – We don’t know much about “MWB” – they created this beautiful art nouveau jewelry in 1989, and that it appears to be held in a sterling silver frame. Another beautiful piece, the owner would appreciate any information about the artist anyone may have. Thanks! Read the comment below to find out more!
I went slack jawed when I saw this (and that’s not my usual response to a piece of scrimshaw!) – this beautiful piece was purchased in Tonopa Nevada at a liquor store between 1977-1980. The seller had said the piece originated in Alaska.
The bracelet appears to be sterling silver with the initials AL PL EE 60 on the back. I’ll see if the owner can get a clear picture of the initials as well. The owner is looking for any history or information about the artist. Do you have any information on the artist? We’d love to hear from you! Simply add a comment below if you have any information that can you feel can help.
We know the artist who created this piece – we just wonder if you know how he did it! Charles Long is an artist with a sense of humor, to be sure. Somehow, he got this scrimshaw into a bottle, and no – we’re not talking scrimshaw beer! Guess if you can, and we’ll let you know in a month or two how he managed this imaginative piece of artwork.