Scrimshaw Artists
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Below you will find a gallery of scrimshaw artists. This is by no means the complete list, just many that we are currently aware of. Are you a scrimshaw artist? Drop us a line and we’ll be glad to include you! Clicking on the pic will bring you to their website. In some cases we have had the pleasure to personally interview the artists and have links to these interviews below. From world famous artists like Bob Hergert to notable artists like Scot Kimel, Ron Newton and others. Scrimshaw artists work on a variety of materials from pre-ban ivory to mammoth ivory, from man-made materials to egg shells!
Jason R. Webb – Click for Interview Page
Darrel Morris
Sandra Brady
David Smith
Tina White – Click for Interview
Rachel Badeau
Mark Thogerson
Bob Hergert – Link to Interview
Scot Kimel – Link to Interview
Linda Layden
Mary Mueller
Jim Stevens
Andrew Perkins
Rich Simmons
Rone Luebke
Michael Cohen
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[...] Artists [...]
Frederick Myrick, the prolific, almost legendary scrimshander who served aboard the vessel Susan from 1826 to 1829. (see http://maineantiquedigest.com/articles_archive/articles/susa1098.htm)
That being said, there are a lot of replicas out and about. Bringing the tooth to the New Bedford Whaling Museum in MA., or at least a nautical museum to have it looked over by an expert.
If it’s a replica, they are going for $21.95 on ebay (click here
for the link I found)
Hope this helps and that yours is an original!
http://maineantiquedigest.com/articles_archive/articles/susa1098.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~nbrass1/scrim.htm
Looking for artist who did ship named Susan &eagle on shield with epluribus unum.
Love the site! Beautiful pieces! I’m looking for an artist in the Boise Idaho area who will do work to order. I need a specific design depicting a flop-eared bunny with a brief inscription on the back for a necklace.
I’ve gone ahead and approved the comment to help you find a local artist. Don’t know anyone in Boise, but hope they find this link. I’ve also put the question up on the social sites I frequent and talk about scrimshaw, so I hope we find someone for you!
Try Chris Lehwalder
http://www.chrislehwalder.com
He is in Chewelah, WA. He does excellent work
Dear Ginger,
Sarah Hudnall is on the Idaho area (ivory55[at]live.com) and is a seasoned scrimshaw artist who replied to our site late July. Hope you two can connect and a project blossoms for the both of you!
Looking for a scrimshaw artist named Tom Mullen.
So far we haven’t been able to find anything on a scrimshaw artist named Tom Mullen. Do you have a piece done by him that you can send us? We’ll be glad to put it online and see if anyone recognizes the artwork.
Re:requestt about Tom Mullen/artist
Tom Mullen was an artist who sold his work thru a gift shop/
gallery located in the Tin City Shops in Naples,Fla.in the
mid-1980′s. We bought 7 or 8 of his pieces as we thought
they were good quality for the price,plus he had a hoard of
pre ban teeth. We got to know the Tin City shop owner fairly
well,and he shared that Mullen had a drinking problem,lived
in the Naples area in a converted garage,and only worked when he needed money. The shop owner died some years ago and his widow ran the store for a few years offering what
she had in stock,but related that her husband was the one who dealt with Mullen as he was often on a bender. We never
met or saw him,but we own a lightship basket that has a
reproduction piece done by him as the lid ornament. Hope it
helps BNic
We were good friends with Tom Mullens during the 1980′s and l990′s; but lost track of him after that. He was a VERY talented scrimshaw artist as well as a painter; but very private and secluded.
Yes, his art studio was a large converted garage located on Elsa Street in Naples. That is the last known address that I have for him.
He sold many items at Tin City in Fern’s shop.
If anyone ever finds more information on him, would you please contact us? Thank you so much.
NOTE: Tom Mullen was a native to New Bedford, Mass.
As a very young child he visited the Scrimshaw Museum there and immediately the person in charge recognized his artistic ability and Mr Mullen began “scratching” on ivory.
He continued to produce scrimshaw art the rest of his life.
He lived his adult life in Naples, Florida and would most likely be in his late 60′s.
Hope you can get back in contact with him!
I currently have a piece of scrimshaw that was passed on to me by my dad.The picture shows a large scooner on the sea with a large whale in the foreground.The name of the artist is signed Mateus.Hope you can help me with any information on this piece.Thanking you in advance.
Dear Shaun,
Would you be able to provide a clear digital picture of the scrimshaw? We would love to see it, and in some cases the artists themselves come forward when there are pics online. Did a preliminary search and found http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/20th-century-probably-american-whale-tooth-scrims-1-c-f879bb8c44 – also with the signature Mateus. Sao Mateus is on the southern tip of the Azores, an old whaling town itself. Possibly where the name came from? Hard to say – but a picture is worth a thousand conjectures. We could also feature it in our “Mystery Artist” section.
Thanks,
Andrew
Thank you for your help with my inquiry.I do have a picture of the item but am not sure how to send you a copy.
Hi. I have recently acquired a HUGE lot of supplies for scrimshaw. I am a metalsmith and wire bender so I am not familiar with the quality of the items I have. I will be looking for a buyer when I know more on these items so I am trying to research. In the box, there was a card that reads Scrimshaw by Rudy & Jean, Hughes creations. Some of these pieces have beautiful scrimshaw on them and others are blanks… hundreds of blanks. There are many pieces labeled walrus and are prices. Do you have any information on these artists or can you tell me if these initials for what I am thinking are supply companies mean anything? ALDS; HGS; LYS? Oh, and the card indicates that Rudy & Jean were from Mt Pleasant SC. Thank you for any information you may have.
I’m not familiar with Rudy and Jean, but we can look into it. Unfamiliar with the ALDS; HGS; LYS. Can you send pics of some of the work? It would be a help – we could put some up on the “Mystery Artists” page.
Thank you for the response. I actually found an article in the Gwinnett Daily from GA, 1979 about Rudy & Jean Hughes. They were scrimpshanders who lived in the Carolinas. They did this for a living. I found that Mrs. Jean Hughes died in 2004 from Alzheimers. One of the pieces I have is sign JH ’60. I am in awe of these beautiful works of art. Unbelievable quality and I am researching this artform and will hopefully secure a buyer for the items I have soon. Thanks again for you reply.
Dear Missy,
Thanks for the information! Sorry to hear she’s no longer with us.
I just got my hands on a walrus tusk that has the image of a bear on one side and a bobcat on the other. Both of the images have the initials E.P on them, and I was wondering if anyone might have an idea of who the artist may be. I can post a picture of it tomorrow.
re: walrus toothe scrimshaw: Would love to see it – if you can send a clear picture we’ll be glad to post it on the “Mystery Artists” page. Thanks for writing!
I have a cribbage board. With scrimshaw of walrus. It is signed by E. Okleasik with white water Alaska in signature. Is there any way to determine the authenticity of this piece ? My brother also bought several pieces of scrimshaw which I have determined to be fakes. Thank you pat
Hi, and thanks for writing! Can you send a picture of the cribbage board to us? We can put it on our “Mystery Artists” page in hopes someone out there has some information on it. Images definitely help! Use the “Macro” setting on your digital camera to get a clear picture of the board, and possibly a close-up of the signature as well? Thanks!
Looking for a scrimshaw artist named VOLOVICK.
Reply
Scrimshaw wanted: I am hoping to find a some pheasant / bird hunting scrimshaw (bolo, belt buckle, etc..) for a christmas present. so far, i am finding only imitation 20.00 items. material should be natural, can be of any sort. Can anyone help?
Dear Pamela,
Happy Holidays from Scrimshaw.com!
I have an oval belt buckle with colorized scrimshaw of the US Coast Guard Cutter Eagle. It is a broadside view of the Eagle under full sail. The artist: Don P. Waring. It was sculptured about 1987. Have your heard of his work in the Mystic seaport area of Connecticut? I would like to display this on your website for all to see.
Dear Gene, we’d love to see it – if you can set your digital camera to it’s “macro” setting and get a good shot or two of it, we’ll be glad to put it on line. We will see if we can find more information about the artist as well. Thanks for writing!
I want someone to put Scrimshaw on a ring that I already have I live in Scottsdale Arizona can you recommend anybody
Hi, and thanks for writing! What type of scrimshaw would you like on the ring? There are quite a number of artists on our artists page that can do this type of work. Here are a couple of important questions: Were you looking for a ship motif, animal, initials, etc.? and did you want it in black or in color? Also, what is the material? If it’s ivory, it can’t go to California due to recent laws regarding ivory. If you are looking for someone in the state, I can put an inquiry on our homepage for artists in the Arizona area. Let us know what you need, and we’ll be glad to help how ever we can.
I have 5 pieces of scrimshaw set in sterling silver, 3 pendants and 2 rings. All five are signed with a tiny u at the bottom.
I would like to know who the artist was. I was given these as a gift in the 60′s in Portland OR.
Thanks
Linda Bray
Dear Linda,
Happy Holidays, and thanks for writing! We are not familiar with the artist who signs their work with the letter “U”, but we’d be glad to help. If you have a digital camera, set it to “macro” and take some clear pictures of the scrimshaw, then send them to “aperkins@scrimshaw.com” – we’ll be glad to put them up on the “Mystery Artists” page and see if anyone knows the artist. Sometimes the artist has responded and given us more information on the pieces we’ve had there, other times it’s someone who either knows or knew them.
I have a legal elephant tusk table with three tusks that are about 2′ long and 2-2.5 inches in diameter. If anyone is interested, I can send photo’s.
Bob
Hi Bob, thanks for writing. I’m not sure who would be interested in the table as a table, though there are collectors out there. You may wish to contact museums in your area as well. Don’t know where you are located, but just an FYI all ivory is now illegal to buy and sell in the state of California.
Hello, we have a 24″ Walrus Tusk Cribbage/Checker board, dated Nome, 1924, signed by a H.L Coney. Regarding the 24″, the shape of this piece is reminescent of a boomerang in that it’s actually two tusks connected end to end, the carvings depict seals.In addition there are ivory pins, that evidently hold the two pieces together. ( Almost tempted to pull them – the pins – as I’m curious as to whether maybe upon seperating them maybe there’s more to the piece than is visible,..these pieces fit so tightly together that it’s barely possible to see the point of connection. ) In the event that you’re familiar with either the above mentioned scrimshaw, or the name of the artist would appreciatte any input. Will attempt to post a pic a.s.a p. Oh, and any idea on a ball-park figure pertaining to it’s value? Thanks in advance,….
Thanks for writing! Have not found any scrimshaw artists with the last name Coney, but that shouldn’t stop you. Definitely send some pictures – set the camera to “macro” so you can get a clear closeup, and if you can, send at least two pictures – one of the piece and one of the signature. A closeup of some of the artwork would also be helpful. We’ll be happy to put the pictures and any information we get onto our “Mystery Artists” page. No idea as to the value, and I would recommend NOT pulling it apart. Shake it gently to see if there are any pieces rattling around inside (doubtful), but disassembling it would probably lessen it’s value.
Hello. In the 1970′s I had a scrimshaw ring made in Naples FL with a picture of a kangaroo on it. I am wondering if you know where I could get it re-inked? Thanks for any info. I live in Tennessee now..Lucy Shoup
We recently found Nantucket basket signed by Glenda 1977. Do you know this artist?
Mike
Thanks for writing, Mike. We are not aware of the artist Glenda, but since it is such a unique name, if they had created other pieces we will probably get some responses from other collectors, and hopefully from the artist too. Would you be able to send some pictures of the basket, the scrimshaw and the signature? We’ll be happy to list them on our Mystery Artists page. Be sure your digital camera is set to Macro when you take close-up shots – they come out a lot clearer.
I have a bolo tie that has a scrimshaw carved Eagle with mountains in the background, it is signed MN would anyone happen to know who this artist is or how I can find out who he is?
Thanks so much.
Heidi
Wanted to add, took another look at the mark and could be MW.
Thanks, Heidi
Hello Heidi, thanks for writing. Would you be able to send a picture or a scan? We’d love to see it. Also, if you can let us know in general where you obtained it? This may help us pinpoint the artist. Using a digital camera, be sure to set it to “macro” so the picture is nice and sharp. We will be able to do any cropping before we add it to the “Mystery Artists” page.
Have just acquired a walrus tooth scrimshaw piece,4 tiered sailing ship on one side, a polar bear on the other. Initials are P M with the left leg of the M being the descending line of the P. The year 82 next to the initials. Anybody know anything about the artist, value etc.
We’d love to see it. Can you send some pictures of the piece? We’ll be glad to put it up on our ever-growing “Mystery Artists” page. Be sure to set your camera to “Macro” when you take close-ups to get clear images. Looking forward to seeing it!
Can you please tell me if it is illegal to purchase original scrimshaw on whale teeth in the state of Oregon from Washington state? i would also like any information you can provide about a schrimshander named Juvenal Castro. Thanks very much for your help.
Laws about ivory vary from state to state, California recently passing the most restrictive, banning the sale of any type of ivory. The best place to find this information is at Fish and Wildlife organizations for the respective states. In New England, there are some states where it is illegal to transport ivory out of the state. The CITES treaty is another place to look.
I have a small piece signed by Juvenal Castro. He signed and printed his name. If you’re interested email and I’ll send a pic.
Hello Ro,
We’ve seen the name “Juvenal Castro” on a couple of auction sites and the scrimshaw is classic and beautiful. It appears he is a 20th century artist, but we have little information other than this. We’d love to see the pictures and can put them up under our “Mystery Artist” page to see if anyone can give us more information on the artist.
Around 1989 I bought a new custom made dagger with a dragon scrimshawed on it. I have been trying to find out who the artist was that made it. The “signature” looks like a P with an elongated bottom line, like P and L put together. I would appreciate any help you can give on this. I’m not sure if it was a local artist here around Connecticut, but I bought it in a local store here in CT. I can send pictures if you want them.
Thanks in advance, Donna
Hi Donna, and thanks for writing! We’re not familiar with the description of the signature, but we’ll be glad to put it up on our “Mystery Artists” page to see if anyone knows about it. If you can, take the photo with the camera set at “macro” so we can get a good picture of the detail. If we need to crop it, we can do that here. Would love to see it, too! Is there a brand on the dagger like “spyderco” or is it a completely custom piece? Any information will be appreciated, and we’ll get it up on line as soon as we can!
Hello, I’m cleaning up my mom’s old art supplies from the 70s and found some scrimshaw jewelry silver settings for small pins, matching bone (mostly oval for pendants)and tools and wondered if anyone would like to have them. I hate to throw out these items. Im happy to ship if you can send me an address.
Thanks for writing! Hate to throw stuff away myself, esp. if someone else can use it. If you can give us a city/state and an email address, we’ll be glad to post it on the site. Once they’re gone, let us know and we’ll take it down.
My dads wife lived in Alaska and collected scrimshaw and other Alaskan art. She has a set of 29 inch walrus tusk scrimshaw and is thinking of selling them.They are by an artist named Joe Blatchford. I was wondering where to go to find out the value of these and where best to try selling them?
Thanks for writing! The tusks sound wonderful. I am not aware of Joe Blatchford, but a quick google brought up http://www.tellmewhereonearth.com/Web%20Pages/Alaska/alaska.htm and https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CD8QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.longagoandfaraway.com%2FJoeBlatchfordCribbageBoardMBB2L113.htm&ei=7O9hUenWFIvk4APTqoA4&usg=AFQjCNE-O9YedsqC7OlvrOU4rqcwEEHtVA&sig2=AMiZo6sbuj8OGNTtsGrnwQ&bvm=bv.44770516,d.dmg – he was a known artist, and sadly it seems he passed away in 2009 (http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/adn/obituary-preview.aspx?n=joseph-blatchford&pid=123806241&referrer=1898). As to valuation of the items, I would have to point you to scrimshawcollectors.com – Douglass would give you his honest opinion and may be able to connect you with a collector who would be interested.
Hope this helps,
Andrew Perkins
I have a bracelet from Big Sur California with a ship scrimshaw on it. It has the initaila JM. Any ideas?
Hi Doniece, and thanks for writing! Can you send a picture of the piece in question? We’d love to see it and we’ll be glad to put it up on our “Mystery Artist” page to see if anyone else knows.
I have a 5″ tooth with scrimshaw picture of a 4 master sailing vessel , dated 1972, and signed by D. Anderson. I cannot find any information on the artist. He could be from Alaska or Canada. Can anyone give me any information or point me in the right direction. I would like to know if this piece is valuable. Thank you
Hi Lynn,
thanks for writing. A quick search on our end did not find anything either, but don’t let that get you disappointed. We can put the D. Anderson scrimshaw query up on our “Mystery Artist” site and find out if any other collectors or friends of D. Anderson – possibly D. Anderson him/herself may respond. The best responses come from clear photos and as much information as you can give. We usually put the city/state/province the piece was purchased, the date acquired (having the date on the piece as you have stated is also a big help). We will post the picture or pictures on the site and see who responds. Having a close-up of the signature also helps. Set your digital camera on “Macro” so you can take good close-ups, and email them to us.