Scrimshaw Gallery - Display Groupings

Collectors quite often show & store their scrimshaw in display stands, and occasionally, arrange them in artistic groupings.  Here are a few examples.

A pair of elaborately engraved scrimshaw Sperm whale teeth by an anonomous 19th century artisian commonly referenced as "The Banknote Engraver". The teeth are displayed with hand-written banknote forgeries made by French prisoners-of-war while incarcerated at the Valleyfield Depot in Scotland. The notes are dated 1810 & 1812.  Private Collection of John F. Rinaldi.

Three scrimshaw Sperm whale teeth scribed by the American whaleman Edward Burdett (1805-1833) of Nantucket.  Burdett is believed to be the earliest documented scrimshander. The upper tooth depicts the “William Tell” and is signed “Engraved by/Edward Burdett”. The center tooth is captioned “Daniel The Fourth Of London” and is fitted with an engraved silver snuff lid that is hallmarked for the year 1916. The lower tooth is captioned “Elizabeth of London”. Private Collection of John F. Rinaldi.

Two scrimshawed Sperm whale teeth scribed aboard the Whaleship “CERES” of Wilmington, Delaware circa 1833-37. The banner above each sailor inscribed with War of 1812 slogan “Free Trade and Sailors Rights”. The tooth on the left also bears the name “Elizabeth B. Ellis”. Shown with a War of 1812 Congressional Naval Presentation Sword.  Private Collection of John F. Rinaldi.

Three scimshawed Sperm whale teeth embellished with American patriotic motifs.  The background is an old American flag, and a carved Liberty cap in original polychrome and gilt finish.  Private collection of John F. Rinaldi.

Two, oval shaped, whalebone Ditty Boxes fitted with removable lids. One with polychrome scrimshaw decorations of flowers, birds, an American ship, and a view of a large domed building that is the Maine State House in Augusta as it looked from 1833-89. the larger box with the name “Manuel Rogers” in small silver nails. Above the boxes is a scrimshaw decorated panel that likely was created to be the sides of another ditty box that was never completed. Private collection of John F. Rinaldi.

A set of four whale’s teeth scrimshaw carved with women and children. Mounted on their original 19th century base. In the background a large sailor’s shell valentine with a Barbados maker’s trade label on the octagonal case. Private collection of John F. Rinaldi.

Large pair of Sperm whale teeth, profusely scribed on both sides with American ships, partiotic motifs and other varying designs. Uniquely executed with areas deeply engraved and inlaid with red & blue sealing wax. In the background is a fine model of the whaleship "Charles W. Morgan" built by Booth Chick, Kennebunkport, Maine. Private collection of John F. Rinaldi

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