Category: Mystery Artist

Mystery Artist 36 Addition – Andhi Eagle Scrimshaw – Artist info found!

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

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.

Eagle Scrimshaw by Andhi on mammoth ivory

Mystery Artist 56 – “MB” from the Northwest – Addition on 2024

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

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.

2024 – Additional scrimshaw pieces have surfaced in the Far North of New Zealand, “…a strong whaling area in the 1800s”. The initials are a little different, looking like a conglomeration of “PMJB” on one, and possibly “MJB” on the smaller one. The owner is looking for more information and possible value, including the material. The shape of the tall ship reminds me of cattle bone along with the grain to the right, but I’ve only worked on similar materials – it may be part of a tusk or tooth – a picture of the back may reveal more clues (I’ll ask).

2024 MB from New Zealand

2024 Closeup of art and initials

Any help in identifying the artist and the materials would be helpful. Please respond in the comments below!

Mystery Artist 55 – Scrimshaw with Initials FA

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

A rustic scrimshaw possibly from the Nantucket area. Appears to be real, possibly scrimshawed by knife point or marlin spike. Scrimshawing on a ship at sea had to be difficult at best. The owner would love to know any information about it. The lures (one made in Japan) were always next to the whale tooth when they were displayed.

Any ideas about the artist? Please reply below.

Mystery Artist 54 – HJBreuer – possibly found?

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

From 1981, on ivory micarta. It looks lie HJBreuen, though it might be HJBreuen, Karl writes:
” …was perusing the internet to try to ID the Artist on these lovely Westinghouse Micarta 1911 grips, any help would be greatly appreciated.”

Mystery Artist 54 Signature HJBreuer '81
Mystery Artist 54, scrimshaw eagle with shield, arrows and olive branch on micarta.
Mystery Artist 54 - Left side scrimshaw of Eagle with shield, arrows and olive branch

Nice design, precise framing. The scrimshaw eagle has decent cross-hatching. Hoping to get more information about this artist who we haven’t run across before. Anyone familiar with HJBreuen and their work? Please add your comments below.

2021-02-09 Update:

I stumbled over skrimshaw today, very nice page indeed, and I think I found your latest mystery artist. As I seem to be too stupid to find the comment section on your website, you’re getting this via e-mail. I think the artist you’re looking for is (or rather was) called Henry Joseph Breuer, and studied at the San Francisco School of Fine Arts. It’s quite difficult to look for him online, because of a quite famous artist of the same name, possibly his Grandfather, who died in 1932. I only came across him when researching that artist. Anyway, some info can be found here: https://de.findagrave.com/memorial/118689739/henry-joseph-breuer . Note the “He leaves a lifetime of artwork behind.” at the bottom of the obituary. Evidently not the most commercially successful of fellows, but there you go. 

Greetings from Freiburg in Germany,

Andreas B”

Thank you Andreas! This looks like an excellent lead. As far as not finding the comment section, it’s more than likely due to a loose nut behind the keyboard on this end…

Mystery Artist 53 – Liz Fisher

Posted on by Andrew Perkins

We know a little about Liz Fisher, a scrimshaw artist that worked at a shop in the Quincy Marketplace in Boston around 1984. Actually that’s all we know about her. Wonderful design, great expression. Reminds me a little of the comic book art from that era: not overly detailed yet expressive – just enough stippling to create shadows – that’s a talent.
The owner of the knife would like to get back in contact with her. If you know her whereabouts and if she’s still creating art of any type, please feel free to comment in the section below!