Category: Mystery Artist

Mystery Artist 39 – USS Bear with the initials J.E. or S.E.

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

Purchased on the west coast of Canada, the owner of this scrimshaw of the USS Bear (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Bear_(1874) and http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/49/49029.htm) is searching for more information on the artist and the piece itself. 

The owner writes: “… I have no idea if this is an antique or modern creation, the material (though I’ve been told it’s fossilized walrus ivory), or if it was genuinely a net sinker before being scrimshawed. Lastly, I am curious about value. It does appear to be signed “J.E.” or “S.E.” ”

Any information regarding the artist and or it’s age would be greatly appreciated – feel free to comment in the comments section below.  Clicking on any of the images will bring them up to full size.

Left side of USS Bear scrimshaw - Mystery artist 39Top view of "USS Bear" scrimshaw showing loops where it was used to attach to netBack view of the USS Bear scrimshaw - Mystery Artist 39

Mystery Artist 37 – “Rudy”

Mystery Artist 37 – “Rudy”

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

Whale tooth scrimshaw of a whale in the foreground with a ship in the background, signed "Rudy"A beautiful scrimshaw on what appears to be a whale tooth with the name “Rudy”.  Very highly polished, the bottom edges show some crazing. beautifully lined scrimshaw with a dramatic scene of a whale in the foreground and the ship not far off.

Robert writes: “I am a 77 year old Vietnam Veteran and proud of it. I recently purchased at an estate sale an item I believe to be a scrimshaw tooth or tusk.I tried the hot needle test and the needle did not penetrate the item. I examined the item under magnification and the lines appear to vary in width and depth.

“The item bears the name Rudy. An internet search revealed a Dennis “Rudy” Waldroop (1950-2009). He had a shop in Tahlequah, OK however passes away in2009.

“I would appreciate any information on my piece. Is it a piece of junk,who carved it,approx. value, just anything.”

Whale tooth with the inscription "Rudy" Back of the tooth, "Mystery Artist 37"I’ve asked Robert to possibly send a picture of the  cavity at the base of the tooth, and will update this post if he’s able to do so.

Updated Pics from 7/16/2017:

Side shot of "Mystery Artist 37"Front shot of "Mystery Artist 37" with no shadowsBack of "Mystery Artist 37 - Rudy"whale tooth scrimshaw with no shadows

Anyone knowing more information on the artist or questions regarding the piece, please add a comment below.

Mystery Artist 36 – Eagle Scrimshaw with Signature “Andhi”

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

Scrimshaw carving of an eagle's head facing left, with a full color eagle scrimshawed on the neck.This is a fascinating piece.  Both a carving and a sculpture, it’s beautiful work that has been well cared for.  The base edge and the general shape makes it appear to be a sperm whale tooth.

Opposite side of the eagle sculpture and scrimshaw facing up.The artwork is in full color,expertly scrimmed with a spartan background that balances the work nicely.

The signature “Andhi” has some artistic flourishes to the left of the first initial.  My impression is that it may have come from Hawaii, but I could be way off.

Any ideas?  The owner would love to know more about the artist.  Reply in the comments below, and any more information I can get I’ll add to this post.Signature on the bottom of the eagle head scrimshaw and sculpture - "Andhi"

Mystery Artist 35 – From Alaska

Mystery Artist 35 – From Alaska

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

“This is a scrimshaw bracelet (pewter) that was a gift to me in 1975. It is from a friend in Alaska who said that he was told it was an antique when he bought it. It is about 2″ in diameter. The initials in the lower left look like ‘mq’ but the ‘q’ might be something else. Can you tell me anything about this piece? I can take more pics if you need them.

Miriam”

Hoping to get a closeup of the initials to better identify it.  We’d love it if anyone knowing of the artist or more history of the piece would respond.Pewter and ivory bracelet of a ship in full sail