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

Mammoth Bones Do the Happy Dance in Las Vegas

Posted on July 23, 2017July 23, 2017 by Andrew Perkins

Senate bill SB194 has passed in Nevada, making it illegal to sell, possess with the intention to sell mammoth ivory, among parts of other currently living creatures. The bill goes into effect January 1, 2018. You can see a copy of the bill at:
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/79th2017/Bill/5060/Overview

This brings the number of states making it illegal to sell mammoth ivory to five. More may be on the way, since it is so easy to include a six letter word lumped in with living endangered species that people either gloss over it or, due to “Manny the moody mammoth” being so near and dear to people’s hearts, they believe they still roam the planet.

The mammoth review will be showing at the Riviera Hotel and Casino after all threats of extinct animal poachers have been put to rest in early 2018. Wilma Flinstone will also be serving bronto-burgers…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riviera_(hotel_and_casino)

Mystery Artist 37 – “Rudy”

Posted on July 8, 2017July 16, 2017 by Andrew Perkins

A beautiful scrimshaw on what appears to be a whale tooth with the name “Rudy”. Very highly polished, the bottom edges show some crazing. beautifully lined scrimshaw with a dramatic scene of a whale in the foreground and the ship not far off.

Robert writes: “I am a 77 year old Vietnam Veteran and proud of it. I recently purchased at an estate sale an item I believe to be a scrimshaw tooth or tusk.I tried the hot needle test and the needle did not penetrate the item. I examined the item under magnification and the lines appear to vary in width and depth.

“The item bears the name Rudy. An internet search revealed a Dennis “Rudy” Waldroop (1950-2009). He had a shop in Tahlequah, OK however passes away in2009.

“I would appreciate any information on my piece. Is it a piece of junk,who carved it,approx. value, just anything.”

I’ve asked Robert to possibly send a picture of the cavity at the base of the tooth, and will update this post if he’s able to do so.

Updated Pics from 7/16/2017:

Anyone knowing more information on the artist or questions regarding the piece, please add a comment below.

Mystery Artist 36 – Eagle Scrimshaw with Signature “Andhi”

Posted on June 4, 2017June 4, 2017 by Andrew Perkins

This is a fascinating piece. Both a carving and a sculpture, it’s beautiful work that has been well cared for. The base edge and the general shape makes it appear to be a sperm whale tooth.

The artwork is in full color,expertly scrimmed with a spartan background that balances the work nicely.

The signature “Andhi” has some artistic flourishes to the left of the first initial. My impression is that it may have come from Hawaii, but I could be way off.

Any ideas? The owner would love to know more about the artist. Reply in the comments below, and any more information I can get I’ll add to this post. Signature on the bottom of the eagle head scrimshaw and sculpture - "Andhi"

Mystery Artist 35 – From Alaska

Posted on March 11, 2017April 22, 2017 by Andrew Perkins

“This is a scrimshaw bracelet (pewter) that was a gift to me in 1975. It is from a friend in Alaska who said that he was told it was an antique when he bought it. It is about 2″ in diameter. The initials in the lower left look like ‘mq’ but the ‘q’ might be something else. Can you tell me anything about this piece? I can take more pics if you need them.

Miriam”

Hoping to get a closeup of the initials to better identify it. We’d love it if anyone knowing of the artist or more history of the piece would respond. Pewter and ivory bracelet of a ship in full sail

Mystery Artist 34 – BB

Posted on March 7, 2017April 23, 2017 by Andrew Perkins

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!