scrimshaw Archives - Page 2 of 5

Tag: scrimshaw

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.

Little Scrimshaws

Posted on December 9, 2017December 9, 2017 by Andrew Perkins

Family 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.com G-Clef scrimshawed into alt ivory on walnut hair stick

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 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!

Mystery Artist 32 – “B” Whale

Posted on February 22, 2017February 23, 2017 by Andrew Perkins

Severiano from Ohio writes: “I have had this for many years. Do you know who this artist is that signs with the letter “B” ?”

Not sure if this is a tusk tip or a whale tooth, hope to get a picture of the base. My teacher Eduardo Brum would often sign his work with a single letter B as well, though it doesn’t give us much to go on. Purchased from an antique shop on Galveston Island Texas.