An interesting set of scrimshaw jewelry with the initials “BB” and…
“My wife acquired a silver scrimshaw bracelet and ring in the 70’s, along with what she was told is a penile bone ring. We would appreciate any info you could give us about them. The silver work looks to be done by the same artist, as all the pieces have a hammered backplate and similar beadwork around the rims. The bracelet depicts a bird with a pointy crest landing on a morning-glory looking flower with a flat leaf below. It looks like it is signed “BB” at the bottom. The scrimshaw ring also depicts a morning-glory type flower, with four sets of leaves around it. It has what might be a stylized capital “A” or “V”, depending on which orientation you view it.
Thanks for your help!
Norm & Debi
The penile bone, also known as a baculum is usually from a walrus, which – if the material all came from the same place, could mean the other piece is either walrus or mammoth, more than likely from Alaska. The initials “BB” are well formed, though I don’t find any information on them other than a Ben Shostle (http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/my-grandfathers-engravings.67669/). Hoping someone knows the artist and can fill you in on the history of the pieces!
The fossilized penile bone of the walrus was also known as OOSIC and used on many knife handles by Ben.
I used to work with Ben Shostle. His daughter, Bonita (nee Shostle) Bonshire was a scrimshander and etched and inked many of the bolsters on Ben’s knives and handgun grips. She would etch and ink in her initials BB on many of the items.
Hi John, and thanks for the information! The owner will really appreciate it. Do you know if Bonita is still scrimshawing?