Scrimshaw whale tooth

1920-1939

Place madeUnited States, North America

Ivory, pigment

Overall: 2 1/4 x 7 in. ( 5.7 x 17.8 cm )

Gift of George A. Zabriskie

1941.773b

Carving suggests “modern” work made for the souvenir trade in the first half of the 20th century. The ship depicted is likely the Wanderer, a New England Whaler built in 1878 in Mattapoisett,MA, which obtained some measure of status as an icon of the whaling days after appearing in the 1922 film “Down to the Sea in Ships”. The Wanderer wrecked on Cuttyhunk Island in 1924.

DescriptionScrimshawed sperm whale tooth engraved with bow and port view of sailing ship under full sail with printed inscription below.

Markingsengraved: below image: "BARK WANDERER HOMEWARD BOUND"

ClassificationsMARITIME TOOLS & EQUIPMENT