Category: Mystery Artist

Mystery Artist 34 – BB

Mystery Artist 34 – BB

An interesting set of scrimshaw jewelry with the initials “BB” and…

“My wife acquired a silver scrimshaw bracelet and ring in the 70’s, along with what she was told is a penile bone ring. We would appreciate any info you could give us about them.  The silver work looks to be done by the same artist, as all the pieces have a hammered backplate and similar beadwork around the rims.  The bracelet depicts a bird with a pointy crest landing on a morning-glory looking flower with a flat leaf below. It looks like it is signed “BB” at the bottom.  The scrimshaw ring also depicts a morning-glory type flower, with four sets of leaves around it. It has what might be a stylized capital “A” or “V”, depending on which orientation you view it.

Thanks for your help!

Norm & Debi

The penile bone, also known as a baculum is usually from a walrus, which – if the material all came from the same place, could mean the other piece is either walrus or mammoth, more than likely from Alaska.  The initials “BB” are well formed, though I don’t find any information on them other than a Ben Shostle (http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/my-grandfathers-engravings.67669/).  Hoping someone knows the artist and can fill you in on the history of the pieces!

Mystery Artist 33 – Owl Sculpture PS

Mystery Artist 33 – Owl Sculpture PS

This diminutive owl is carved into an unknown material that appears to be either ivory or bone.  An excellent amount of detail, the upper left edge shows an edge that may be from a mold, but I cannot tell.  The initials “PS” appear in the lower right hand corner. Anyone know who created this piece? I really like the eyes.  Add your comments in the section below, the owner would love to know more about the artist.

Edge of Owl Pendant - Mystery Artist 33Back of owl pendant, mystery artist 33 Owl Pendandt

Mystery Artist 32 – “B” Whale

Mystery Artist 32 – “B” Whale

Base of scrimshaw - mystery artist 32Looking up and into the center of the tusk/tooth - Mystery Artist 32Close-up of the initial "B" - Mystery Artist 32Severiano from Ohio writes: “I have had this for many years. Do you know who this artist is that signs with the letter “B” ?”

Whale on ivory just under the water

Not sure if this is a tusk tip or a whale tooth, hope to get a picture of the base.  My teacher Eduardo Brum would often sign his work with a single letter B as well, though it doesn’t give us much to go on. Purchased from an antique shop on Galveston Island Texas.

Mystery Artist 31 – W.E.S.

Mystery Artist 31 – W.E.S.

Carvings in ivory and bone are also considered scrimshaw, and these are a perfect example. Mark W. in Florida writes:

“I have attached three photos of a tie clasp and cuff-link set with the signiture W.E.S. or perhaps W.E. Sr..   Would appreciate help is identifying who it is.  Thanks.   Mark W”

These are beautiful pieces, the whale cuff links took patience to carve so small as well as a steady hand to attach them with those tiny screws.  Anyone know a scrimshaw artist with the initials W.E.S. that may have carved these or any information? We’d love to know.  Add your comments to the section below, Mark and I will be happy to know more about them.

Back of a carved ivory cuff link with the initials WES - Mystery Artist 31 The back of the other carved ivory cufflink with the initials W.E.S. Carved Whale Tie Clasp Mystery Artist 31 facing down

Mystery Artist 30 – Lion on a Necklace

We’re hoping someone may be able to identify the artist and the material on this necklace.  I’ve emailed the owner hoping to get some better pictures, especially of the signature to the left.  It appears to be either ivory or possibly antler, hard to tell since the base is capped. The cracks at the top make me think ivory, but the staining near the base makes me think antler.  Anyone know the artist or material? We’d love to know.  Post your comments below, and as always, thank you!Lion Profile scrimshaw - Mystery Artist 30Scrimshaw Lion on unknown material