Tag: bracelet

Mystery Artist 35 – From Alaska

Mystery Artist 35 – From Alaska

Posted on 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

Mystery Artist 34 – BB

Posted on 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!