Tag: scrimshaw

Mystery Artist 31 – W.E.S.

Mystery Artist 31 – W.E.S.

Carvings in ivory and bone are also considered scrimshaw, and these are a perfect example. Mark W. in Florida writes:

“I have attached three photos of a tie clasp and cuff-link set with the signiture W.E.S. or perhaps W.E. Sr..   Would appreciate help is identifying who it is.  Thanks.   Mark W”

These are beautiful pieces, the whale cuff links took patience to carve so small as well as a steady hand to attach them with those tiny screws.  Anyone know a scrimshaw artist with the initials W.E.S. that may have carved these or any information? We’d love to know.  Add your comments to the section below, Mark and I will be happy to know more about them.

Back of a carved ivory cuff link with the initials WES - Mystery Artist 31 The back of the other carved ivory cufflink with the initials W.E.S. Carved Whale Tie Clasp Mystery Artist 31 facing down

Mystery Artist 30 – Lion on a Necklace

We’re hoping someone may be able to identify the artist and the material on this necklace.  I’ve emailed the owner hoping to get some better pictures, especially of the signature to the left.  It appears to be either ivory or possibly antler, hard to tell since the base is capped. The cracks at the top make me think ivory, but the staining near the base makes me think antler.  Anyone know the artist or material? We’d love to know.  Post your comments below, and as always, thank you!Lion Profile scrimshaw - Mystery Artist 30Scrimshaw Lion on unknown material

Mystery Artist 27 – Ring with “DCZ”

Mystery Artist 27 – Ring with “DCZ”

“… I have a ring I’m not sure of the material but IMystery Artist 27 Dragon Ring mystery-artist-27-2 mystery-artist-27-1 believe it to but a type of ivory.It is from what I can tell signed “DCZ”. Any information that can be determined would be greatly appreciated.Thank you -christian.”

Looks to have a grain behind the dragon, but it’s difficult to tell.  Hoping to find more information as to the location it was purchased to help find the creator.  Anyone know a scrimshaw artist with the initials “DCZ”?  We’d love to know, there are few scrimshaw rings out there.  Add any information in the comments section below.

The Value of Scrimshaw

The Value of Scrimshaw

Color scrimshaw on whale's tooth "A Sailor's Life for Me""A Sailor's Life for Me" scrimshaw on whale's toothI’ve received a question regarding the value of a piece of scrimshaw done in the 20th century on a whale’s tooth, and I really don’t know the answer. I do scrimshaw, though I don’t collect it. A reader has a beautiful piece by P. Hayde, I believe, and wants to know how to figure its value so they may insure it. If there is a collector who could help them and similar collectors out with either a link or some good guidelines, I’ll be happy to post the information here, with or without your email as you see fit. It would be greatly appreciated.
Leave a reply in the box below to help your fellow collectors.

Thank you in advance,

Andrew Perkins