Mystery Artist 26 – Whale Tooth: Authentic or Repro? Verdict: “Fakeshaw”

Mystery Artist 26-1 Whale Toothe with crossed pistolsMystery Artist # 26 is a scrimshaw on a whale tooth, either real or a very good reproduction.  From the owner: “Hello, not sure what I have here, as it is somewhat similar to the Turnage Place Mississippi repros. Anyone’s help is much appreciated, thanks Kelvin.”

Mystery Artist 26-2 Whale Tooth with stagecoach

Mystery Artist 26-3 - Bottom edge

Mystery Artist 26-4 - Tip of the tooth

Mystery Artist 26-5 - Base of the tooth

One thing I’ve noticed is the uniformity of the color beneath.  There is also no grain in the bottom, which makes me think that it could be a polymer.  Two quick tests would be looking at it under a “black light”: if it glows, it’s definitely plastic. if not, it could still be a different polymer.  The second test would be the “hot pin test”: heating a needle to red hot and pressing the point into the base to see if it melts or burns, taking note of the smell.  If it smells like plastic, it is.  If it smells like a dentist’s office after a day of drilling, it’s more than likely ivory.

Anyone know the artist or the authenticity of this item?  Let us know in the comments.

Douglass Moody, a longtime scrimshaw collector responded below, reprinting his response here:
“This is a well-documented, mass-produced resin replica of a scrimshawed whale tooth, colloquially known as Fakeshaw. It is NOT a reproduction, because an authentic original never existed.”

Thank you, Douglass!

 

4 thoughts on “Mystery Artist 26 – Whale Tooth: Authentic or Repro? Verdict: “Fakeshaw”

  1. Hello, looked all over the net and I cannot find anything close to this example. The stage is on an angle view, 3 people inside, reverse side with swords, eagle at top with arrows, etc. If this fakeshaw was mass produced, please reveal site where I can view similar works. Thanks again, Kelvin

  2. Thanks for all your effort. The piece is well done, though, as I still have questions about its value, the artist, and the possible production date. Thanks, Kelvin.

  3. This is a well-documented, mass-produced resin replica of a scrimshawed whale tooth, colloquially known as Fakeshaw. It is NOT a reproduction, because an authentic original never existed.

    1. Thanks Douglass, it’s really appreciated. Had seen similar ones on eBay, but did not see the one with the tip broken off, most of the other ones also had a city on them. The owner will appreciate it as well. Enjoy seeing your Macro photography work as well!

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