Mystery Artist 41 – Curtis from the 1980’s

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

Elk scrimshaw by Curtis, CloseupFrom 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.
Full scrimshaw of elk with embellishments on knife handle

“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 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.

Mstery Artist 40 - Mountain Lion on Knife Mystery Artist 40 rabbit scrimshaw on knifeMystery Artist 40, opposite side, plain wood

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

Little Scrimshaws

Little Scrimshaws

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

Lady and Dragon scrimshawed into alt. ivory for a letter openerFamily illnesses and busy schedules keep me from larger works such as the “Lady and the Dragon” (or – as the iPhone tried to correct “Lady and Dragged on”…), but smaller scrimshaws for local venues can be dovetailed into a busy day.  Twenty minutes here, fifteen minutes there allows me to keep the muscle memory for post-holiday times when I may actually be able to devote more time to scrimshaw.

Continuing to work with ivory alternatives due to more states making mammoth ivory illegal to sell, I’m still finding galalith the closest material to ivory, though I am impressed with some of the other alternatives offered by http://guitarpartsandmore.com.   I have some of the cattle bone in the drawer waiting to try.  Hopefully in 2018 I’ll have the time to devote to finding the best way to seal it, there may be a way to use an ABS “slurry” to fill the gaps that I’m formulating, and will post my results once it’s completed.  Meanwhile, have a great holiday season, and feel free to email any questions to questions@scrimshaw.com.Available on Etsy.comG-Clef scrimshawed into alt ivory on walnut hair stick