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

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