A tie-tack with an artist’s mark of the letter S with a harpoon is the latest head scratcher brought to my attention. Appears to be ivory, possibly walrus, though it is missing the “tapioca” grain that often appears on the ivory from that species, I’m just basing my assumption on the creamy color. It could well be mammoth, whale, elephant or other ivory. I like the artist mark, its simplicity and the integration of the harpoon and rope makes it quite memorable.
Anyone familiar with the artist or the mark? Please feel free to write your comments below.
What looks to be an old walrus tooth or a bone fragment, this scrimshaw of a lighthouse looks almost ancient. Nicely shadow framed, the artist’s mark is “SD” or “SB” if the crossing of the lower part of the S was meant to do so. Nice shading on the dome. The owner purchased it at the flea market near Asheville, NC from a lady who worked with girl scouts. 
