Tag: scrimshaw

Mystery Artist 56 – “MB” from the Northwest

A beautifully detailed ship and expertly stylized sailor scrimshaw on what appears to be stabilized bone or walrus tusk. I haven’t seen any material like this before. The rope framing is well done, and there may be additional initials under the sailor’s arm looking like “LB” or LS?

It was a gift from someone in the northwest, and the current owner would love to find out more information about it. A simple mounting and additional marking of what appears to be “T 16-5-82” on the back. Any information about the artist and the material would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve looked through the scrimshaw artist marks and signatures (thank you for creating this, Jim Stevens!) and haven’t found a match. Please add to the comments below.

Mystery Artist 50 – Bessa – Solved!

Another beautiful piece more than likely originating in Portugal, it depicts a three masted ship with a lighthouse in the foreground. The owner “came across this whale tooth at a small antique shop in Branson, Missouri, about 30 years ago. It was delight at first sight! I remember the price tag had “From the Azores” written on it. It measures 6″ x 2.5″, and is heavy for its size. It makes one wonder how many Giant Squid this thing’s clamped onto.”

The owner continues: “…
If you’re a fan of sailing ship rope-ladders,…and who isn’t? Then enjoy, because there’s about 18 of them. “

A beautiful piece. anyone who knows of or knew Bessa? We’d all enjoy hearing more about this artist. Leave comments below.

Update 2020-07-14 – Richard sent me a note via “questions[at]scrimshaw.com” stating: ” M Bessa had a small shop in the town of Praia da Vitoria on the island of Terceira, Azores, Portugal. I was stationed at Lajes Field for 3 1/2 years [approximately 1980] , while serving in the USAF, and spent many hours in his shop talking and watching him work. …” He also sent another photo of on an original M Bessa on a wood pedastal. Thanks Richard!

An original Bessa via Richard, depicting a ship in the background with a whale and a skiff and sailor in the foreground.
Another M Bessa via Richard

Richard writes: “I’m glad the owner was pleased with what little information I could provide. It was so long ago, but it brought back lots of fond memories. The Azores is a magical place.I’ve attached a few more pictures. I hope you enjoy them.”

Thanks again, Richard. I hope to someday find my way to the Azores and to Portugal – Lisbon would be a wonderous day trip, though I’m sure the Azores would be where I would fall in love with the culture and the land. Below are a few more pics from Richard:

Vertical Whale tooth with scrimshaw of a whaling ship in full sail by M Bessa
Bessa and Gaspar receipt from the pre-internet days.

Mystery Artist 41 – Curtis from the 1980’s

Elk scrimshaw by Curtis, CloseupFrom Hal:

“I am a knife collector in the St. Louis. MO area and acquired a knife with a scrimshaw of an elk head signed Curtis ’84 and would like to get more information about the artist and possibly the knife maker.

“My research points to a Jean E. Curtis of Lansing, MI as the artist but I am unable to find any additional information about her. I would like to get information about her work and if possible, contact her to see if she has any additional information about the knife.
Full scrimshaw of elk with embellishments on knife handle

“Local knife makers, collectors, and dealers agree that the scrimshaw is impressive. They also think the handle scales are possibly some form of ivory, though probably not elephant.

“The knife also has a logo/trademark on the blade with Cantini – Weirton, WV. I’ve contacted RW Knives of Weirton, WV a custom knife maker (rwknives@comcast.net) and they had no information.

Cantini seems to be a popular name and I’ve spent a lot of time going through logos and trademarks with no success so far.

Any information about the scrimshaw or knife would be greatly appreciated.”

 

 

Anyone know the knifemaker or the artist?  We’d love to know.  Respond in the comments section below.

Little Scrimshaws

Little Scrimshaws

Lady and Dragon scrimshawed into alt. ivory for a letter openerFamily illnesses and busy schedules keep me from larger works such as the “Lady and the Dragon” (or – as the iPhone tried to correct “Lady and Dragged on”…), but smaller scrimshaws for local venues can be dovetailed into a busy day.  Twenty minutes here, fifteen minutes there allows me to keep the muscle memory for post-holiday times when I may actually be able to devote more time to scrimshaw.

Continuing to work with ivory alternatives due to more states making mammoth ivory illegal to sell, I’m still finding galalith the closest material to ivory, though I am impressed with some of the other alternatives offered by http://guitarpartsandmore.com.   I have some of the cattle bone in the drawer waiting to try.  Hopefully in 2018 I’ll have the time to devote to finding the best way to seal it, there may be a way to use an ABS “slurry” to fill the gaps that I’m formulating, and will post my results once it’s completed.  Meanwhile, have a great holiday season, and feel free to email any questions to questions@scrimshaw.com.Available on Etsy.comG-Clef scrimshawed into alt ivory on walnut hair stick

Mystery Artist 36 – Eagle Scrimshaw with Signature “Andhi”

Scrimshaw carving of an eagle's head facing left, with a full color eagle scrimshawed on the neck.This is a fascinating piece.  Both a carving and a sculpture, it’s beautiful work that has been well cared for.  The base edge and the general shape makes it appear to be a sperm whale tooth.

Opposite side of the eagle sculpture and scrimshaw facing up.The artwork is in full color,expertly scrimmed with a spartan background that balances the work nicely.

The signature “Andhi” has some artistic flourishes to the left of the first initial.  My impression is that it may have come from Hawaii, but I could be way off.

Any ideas?  The owner would love to know more about the artist.  Reply in the comments below, and any more information I can get I’ll add to this post.Signature on the bottom of the eagle head scrimshaw and sculpture - "Andhi"