Mystery Artist Archives - Page 8 of 13

Category: Mystery Artist

Mystery Artist # 24 – Mystery Letter Opener

Posted on July 16, 2016October 3, 2016 by Andrew Perkins

The owner of a scrimshaw letter opener that was purchased in South Carolina is looking for the artist and its origin:

“I recently acquired this Scrimshaw letter opener at an auction in Raleigh North Carolina. My knowledge of Scrimshaw is extremely limited, so I’m hoping that some folks can help provide some additional information with regards to this piece.

“Attached are a series of images showing the opener. At this point I’m not even sure if the piece is real or not. Maybe this is a common fake, I just don’t know. If real obviously it was turned into a letter opener at a much later date than the Scrimshaw was done. Maybe it’s my imagination but it looks to me like the piece is potentially signed as seen in the close-up of one of the images. If so I’m not sure of the signature, though I did see online that in 2015 in England a Scrimshaw opener (though the blade was actually carved out of the piece and not a separate attachment) was sold at auction by an artist named Able Webb and dated 1837 (that was the spelling they used). What looks like a potential signature in my particular piece also resembles an “A. Webb” though it truly could be anything, or maybe not even a signature. Also as shown in one of the images there looks to possibly be some additional writing, and if so I’m guessing it’s the name of the ship. It’s a fairly long name, and looks to possibly start with an “S”.

“If anyone can provide additional insight on this piece please do so. Thanks up front for any and all information.

“Best Regards,

“Scott

Mystery Artist #23 “FJG”

Posted on February 2, 2016February 2, 2016 by Andrew Perkins

We have another mystery artist! This one has the initials “FJG” who had done a large work on a pair of tusks, including scenes of ships in battle. Some small areas are colored as well. Inscribed on the back of one of the tusks is “Sept 23 1965 Mekoryuk Alaska” with some simpler scrimming, which looks like it was done by a different artist.

Clicking on the pictures will bring them up in full resolution.

Any ideas? Comment below if you know the artist, the owner would love to find out more information about these wonderful scrimshaws.

Mystery Artist(s) – #21 – Story Bracelet

Posted on January 3, 2016January 10, 2016 by Andrew Perkins

We have a story bracelet which the owner is looking for the artist as well as other information:

“Hello, I purchased a gorgeous sterling silver and scrimshaw bracelet at the flea market today and, while attempting some research on it, I found your website. I’m hoping you might be able to help me id an artist and/or era for this. I’m not sure on the material the scrimshaw is on. I can’t find any cross hatching that would indicate ivory but also cannot find any pits to indicate it is bone. It does have some lovely curving lines often seen on ivory beads but I am not knowledgeable myself to be sure of the piece. One thing that might help identify this is it appears as if the back side of each panel was filled in with a clear resin that has darkened over the years. Not sure if that is a trait of some artist or not and not sure why it would be there other than to protect the pieces.

“Anyway, I have attached a couple of photos and have more if you need them. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.”

-Sally

The bracelet was purchased in St. Petersburg, Florida. Anyone familiar with the artist or the piece can reply below, the owner will greatly appreciate it!

Clicking on the pictures will bring up high resolution images.

Note: The numbering is off, but this one is our first Mystery Artist in 2016.

Mystery Artist #22 – Pirate, bought in Paris France…

Posted on September 12, 2015October 19, 2015 by Andrew Perkins

Pirate scrimshawed on a whale tooth — The stance as well as the angle of the guns creates a memorable pic. He seems to be compensating for the rolling waves or has just come from the tavern, but either way it’s time to duck!

Another shot of David Weir's Pirate on a whale tooth — Clicking on the image will bring it up full size.

Mystery Artist #22 was purchased in Paris France about ten years ago. The signature appears to be “EC”, or perhaps “CC” in the lower left corner. The stance along with the “toothpick” in his mouth shows him steadying himself either due to heavy seas or perhaps he just came out of the tavern? Either way, it’s a memorable pic. Anyone who knows the artist or their whereabouts and can let us know more about them it would be greatly appreciated. it’s a wonderful piece of scrimshaw!

UPDATE – Found the original illustrator: Howard Pyle

From the late 19th to the early 20th century, Howard Pyle wrote and illustrated during this time, being one of “the founders of present-day Illustration”. A brief history can be found here: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Howard_Pyle%27s_Book_of_Pirates/Foreward

The original illustration can also be found there.

Mystery Artist 20 – Two Teeth from “Mageee”

Posted on March 22, 2015March 22, 2015 by Andrew Perkins

From Florida we recently had an inquiry regarding two scrimshawed whale teeth, from what appears to be two different artists. John writes:
“… I came across your website looking for some info on two pieces of Scrimshaw Art that my father left for me when he died. I know nothing about the art, so I figured I should find an expert.
Is there anyway you can help me identify these two pieces? Artist, medium, worth?
I will eventually sell them in case you do that. Thanks in advance for any help you can lend me. …”

Below you can see the artwork and two drastically different teeth – one very pointy and one very rounded. Both could have been from the same whale, but it’s doubtful. The first tooth has the initials “E F” while the second has the interesting signature of a number and a seagull, which should lead us to at least the second artist quickly (we hope):