scrimshaw.com - An Ancient Art on Eco-Friendly Materials

Mystery Artist(s) 44 – Help Identifying Tooth Tip

Posted on August 18, 2018 by Andrew Perkins

Julie writes:

“…

spent time on Nantucket as a college student in 1976-77. I purchased a couple of pieces of scrimshaw while there and and think maybe the scrimshander was Peter LaJoie but not sure.

Also, I inherited a piece of very primitive looking scrimshaw from an uncle that was an antique collector. He died about 20 years ago at the age of 97. I have no idea where the piece originated but it does seem to be authentic whale tooth cut from the tip of a tooth. I wondered if it was someone’s early attempt at scrimshaw. It is coincidentally signed with a PL also although it is in script. I’m sending pics of the items and hope you can assist me in identifying them. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Scrimshaw Cabochon with initials "PL" of a lighthouse and ship

Lighthouse and Ship on walrus ivory, small cursive "L" to the right

Side of tooth tip with cursive initials "PL"

Below are the pictures Julie provided for us. Can anyone identify the artist(s), and regarding the tip, would this be whale or possibly walrus? Add your comments below.

Mystery Artist 43 – Wilk from Alaska

Posted on August 11, 2018November 25, 2018 by Andrew Perkins

Scrimshaw of Alaskan

A beautiful piece created in Ketchican, Alaska by E. Wilk, the owner would love to have more information about the artist, if they’re still scrimshawing,

etc.:

“I purchased this beautiful scrimshaw work in the mid 1980’s from a Gallery in Ketchikan, Alaska E. Wilk was from Bellingham. Do you have any current information on this artist? This scrimshaw was on the cover of a Northwest magazine at the time. I have a copy of it somewhere around here…”

“Thanks for your help.

“Best,

“Jennifer[…]”

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Write your comments in the area below.

Mystery Artist 42 – WAD or WAP – “Memories 1988”

Posted on August 7, 2018November 25, 2018 by Andrew Perkins

Beautiful bracelet with four cabochons, initials WAD or WAP on sterling silver:

“Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. The photo shows the piece that has the clearest artist signature on it; the rest are under the silver or barely visible but they appear to be the same.

“Thank you in advance.

Pam …”

Will try to find it’s origin, but Pam would love to know more about the artist and the materials. Do you know the artist? Write in the comments below.

Mystery Artist 41 – Curtis from the 1980’s

Posted on August 6, 2018November 25, 2018 by Andrew Perkins

From Hal:

“I am a knife collector in the St. Louis. MO area and acquired a knife with a scrimshaw of an elk head signed Curtis ’84 and would like to get more information about the artist and possibly the knife maker.

“My research points to a Jean E. Curtis of Lansing, MI as the artist but I am unable to find any additional information about her. I would like to get information about her work and if possible, contact her to see if she has any additional information about the knife.

“Local knife makers, collectors, and dealers agree that the scrimshaw is impressive. They also think the handle scales are possibly some form of ivory, though probably not elephant.

“The knife also has a logo/trademark on the blade with Cantini – Weirton, WV. I’ve contacted RW Knives of Weirton, WV a custom knife maker (rwknives@comcast.net) and they had no information.

Cantini seems to be a popular name and I’ve spent a lot of time going through logos and trademarks with no success so far.

Any information about the scrimshaw or knife would be greatly appreciated.”

Anyone know the knifemaker or the artist? We’d love to know. Respond in the comments section below.

Mystery Artist 40 – VF

Posted on June 10, 2018November 25, 2018 by Andrew Perkins

We have another mystery artist with the initials “VF”.

“… I have acquired several knives and need help identifying the scrimshaw artist Attached is a picture of several pieces in the collection of Bob Ogg folders Looks like a backward FV It’s a long shot but these ae of an engraver that I’m trying to locate as well….”

Further information forthcoming, and pict

ures below.