Kristina Molder has joined us on the Artist’s Page! Located in Missouri, Kristina creates beautiful color scrimshaws frequently on Case XX knives. Welcome!
More on Kristina’s Artist page
New Artist on the Artist’s Page
More on Kristina’s Artist page
Author: Andrew Perkins
More on Kristina’s Artist page
Mystery Artist 60 – Doug or Derek Fine? – Verified!
Christian from Germany sent me a picture of a vintage knife with scrimshaw that is for sale on their version of “Craigslist” called “Kleinanzeigen.de”. Well worn, probably used daily, the scrimshaw is still quite visible, as is the artist’s mark. Thanks to Jim Stevens’ page “Scrimshaw Artist Marks and Signatures“, I think I found the artist.
The mark resembles Doug Fine’s, and the scrimshaw may be one of his earlier ones by the looks of the knife and the work. Doug’s work can still be found today at the Whaler’s Locker.
Digging through the wayback machine, I was able to find that Doug was an artist at the site LahianaScrimshawMaui.com, no longer on the web. It seems Doug’s son Derek is still active, though at https://www.mauihands.com/project/derek-fine/ . I’m attempting to contact him to verify if this was his or his father’s work.
Maui Hands responded quickly:
“Aloha Andrew,
Thank you for your message and inquiry. Happy to help!
Here’s what Derek had to say:
‘Wow, I haven’t seen that work for awhile,
That’s my Father, Doug Fine, we have the same initials,
That’s why I put DD Fine on my work.’
Mahalo,
Catherine”
Mystery Artist 59 – Uncovering Ciampo: Artist Behind 1970s Scrimshaw Pendant from Thrasher Galleries (store now closed)
Lisa is looking for more information on the artist who scrimmed “Puss-In-Boots” in the 1970’s:
“I came across your site and found your contact info in one of the Mystery Artist conversations. I was given a scrimshaw pendant made of “prehistoric fossilized ivory”, which was purchased by my dad at a gallery event back in the late 70’s – the show featured works from master scrimshander Michael Wood (at
Thrasher Galleries in San Carlos, CA – now closed). The pendant is set in “fine silver” and the stone in the hat is an opal. The signature on the bottom right side says “ciampo”. I have a flyer from the show stating it’s on prehistoric fossilized ivory (flyer photos attached). …
… Any chance you can find something out about this artist, or the pendant’s value?”
Anyone remember Ciampo or the Pacific Ivory & Silver Company? Leave your response below to help Lisa find out more about this unique treasure!
Mystery Artist 57 – A Dragon to the Bahamas
Ivan writes: “I purchased this during a snowstorm in Provincetown about 45 years ago. The seller was desperate to get to his shop in the Bahamas and I bargained for it because I had never seen a slice of whale tooth scrimshaw with a Chinese dragon done in such exquisite detail. I’ve searched for years but have not been able to identify the artist. The initials are either RET or BET. Please post in your mystery artist section; I’m not willing to give up yet.”
Some better pictures may show the grain more clearly (I’m emailing for more pics), though I believe I see some of the “tapioca” pattern of walrus tusk in the center. Hoping to get pictures of the back and of the edge as well for better identification of the material.
The initials “BET” are currently in the unresolved initials on the site https://www.scrimshawstudio.com/scrimshaw-artsist-marks-and-signatures/ – a great resource for looking up scrimshaw artists marks. The picture of the signature is at about #186. I’ll be updating this post as more information arrives.
Mystery Artist 36 Addition – Andhi Eagle Scrimshaw – Artist info found!
Thanks to Debra for the information! “The artists name is Andhi Spaeth. He was employed by Heinz Lange, Northwest Arts and Crafts, Seattle Washington. …”
“… There is a video on YouTube – SCRIMSHAW IVORY COLLECTION Heinz Lange Estate – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6medsilCG4 “
Contacted through Etsy, the owner recently aquired this scrimshaw on what appears to be mammoth tusk. Crisp and beautifully rendered, the scrimshaw is mounted on a wooden stand. I really enjoy looking at this piece – the contrast, even the lightest lines are wonderfully thought out.
The person he bought it from stated they had purchased it about 40 years ago in a small town in Alaska, and it was told to them Andhi is (was) a native.
Anyone know the artist or the history of the piece? Please add your comments below.
