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Many of the images on this scribed bone busk are NOT typical of Yankee whaler scrimwork. Note the inaccurate harpoons below eagle; a woman shown "hiking" her skirt; and an American warship displaying cannons. These images may depict an event in 1814, when the 18-gun USS Eagle defended Plattsburg N.Y. on Lake Champlain. The crew was comprised of army volunteers, including several musicians, who were accompanied by a few of their wives. At one point, several men were killed by cannon fire, and the wife of one victim literally stepped over the body of her husband, to act as powder monkey, so the fighting could continue.
Is this antique, vintage, or modern scrimwork? |
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Brian Dugan, an expert collector of antique scrimshaw, sent the following page references where very similar images of the above scrimwork can be found in Flayderman's book "Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders".
The busk to the right (page 170) contains four vignettes which are also found on the busk in question, directly above. Note that the shield image above has harpoons substituted for flags.
The eagle with flags image (left) was also simplified to eagle with harpoons (above left).
The word "NAN" is found on a busk page 168, and the initials "WM" are found on a busk found on page 169.
The Masonic-style eye was a popular Victorian-era symbol, as can be seen on "The Comet" fakeshaw, below.
The lady revealing her panteloons is the only image not yet identified. Please let us know if any further original images are found. |
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