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!
