Gallery Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth "Whaling Bark Progress - 1842

Department of Commerce Registration Number 21-117

An exquisite scrimshaw etching of the Whaling Bark Progress adorns the front of this great tooth. This 340 ton ship was built in Westerly, R. I. in 1842, and sailed mostly from New Bedford. This whaler was actually exhibited at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, as a typical New Bedford whaler.

The very bottom of this tooth is left natural, so you can see the roughness of its natural state. This tooth is etched in both the stippled and line techniques. The small amount of color added really adds to the classic nature of the finished piece. On the back is etched "Bark Progress." The tooth is 5 5/8 inches long around the convex side, and 1 5/8 inches wide. This is a legal tooth, registered with the U.S. Department of Commerce as #21-117. It weighs 163 grams. It comes complete with a hand-turned Bocote wood and etched ivory base. Stand allows for removal and reinsertion of the tooth for closer viewing. A classical piece by a well-respected American scrimshander! It will be much appreciated by any scrimshaw collector.

A unique piece - Of course, only one is available.