Expertly crafted scrimshaw butterfly on diminutive oval cabochon. Initials GH on the back. Owner would like to know more about the artist and the piece. Feel free To comment in the section below.
Mystery Artist 28 – “GH”
Category: Mystery Artist
Mystery Artist 27 – Ring with “DCZ”
“… I have a ring I’m not sure of the material but I
believe it to but a type of ivory.It is from what I can tell signed “DCZ”. Any information that can be determined would be greatly appreciated.Thank you -christian.”
Looks to have a grain behind the dragon, but it’s difficult to tell. Hoping to find more information as to the location it was purchased to help find the creator. Anyone know a scrimshaw artist with the initials “DCZ”? We’d love to know, there are few scrimshaw rings out there. Add any information in the comments section below.
Mystery Artist 26 – Whale Tooth: Authentic or Repro? Verdict: “Fakeshaw”
Mystery Artist # 26 is a scrimshaw on a whale tooth, either real or a very good reproduction. From the owner: “Hello, not sure what I have here, as it is somewhat similar to the Turnage Place Mississippi repros. Anyone’s help is much appreciated, thanks Kelvin.”
One thing I’ve noticed is the uniformity of the color beneath. There is also no grain in the bottom, which makes me think that it could be a polymer. Two quick tests would be looking at it under a “black light”: if it glows, it’s definitely plastic. if not, it could still be a different polymer. The second test would be the “hot pin test”: heating a needle to red hot and pressing the point into the base to see if it melts or burns, taking note of the smell. If it smells like plastic, it is. If it smells like a dentist’s office after a day of drilling, it’s more than likely ivory.
Anyone know the artist or the authenticity of this item? Let us know in the comments.
Douglass Moody, a longtime scrimshaw collector responded below, reprinting his response here:
“This is a well-documented, mass-produced resin replica of a scrimshawed whale tooth, colloquially known as Fakeshaw. It is NOT a reproduction, because an authentic original never existed.”
Thank you, Douglass!
Mystery Artist 25 – Ring by “JON”FOUND!
The owner of a ring purchased in the Mystic Seaport area between 1974-1978 with the signature of JON is looking for information about the artist:
“I purchased a pendant and ring at/near Mystic Seaport between 1975-1978 directly from the artist. Can you help identify? … his first name is “Jon” and he told me it was elephant tusk material at the time because whale bone was outlawed.”
A nicely made scrimshaw, the signature is quite clear.
Anyone know the artist? Renee would really like to know more information about them and the artwork.
Respond in the comments below if you have any information, and thank you for looking!
Found! – Bill Feeney was a big help, having some of his paintings. “Jon Medeiros” is the artist, as more information comes in, I will update this post.
Mystery Artist # 24 – Mystery Letter Opener
The owner of a scrimshaw letter opener that was purchased in South Carolina is looking for the artist and its origin:
“I recently acquired this Scrimshaw letter opener at an auction in Raleigh North Carolina. My knowledge of Scrimshaw is extremely limited, so I’m hoping that some folks can help provide some additional information with regards to this piece.
“Attached are a series of images showing the opener. At this point I’m not even sure if the piece is real or not. Maybe this is a common fake, I just don’t know. If real obviously it was turned into a letter opener at a much later date than the Scrimshaw was done. Maybe it’s my imagination but it looks to me like the piece is potentially signed as seen in the close-up of one of the images. If so I’m not sure of the signature, though I did see online that in 2015 in England a Scrimshaw opener (though the blade was actually carved out of the piece and not a separate attachment) was sold at auction by an artist named Able Webb and dated 1837 (that was the spelling they used). What looks like a potential signature in my particular piece also resembles an “A. Webb” though it truly could be anything, or maybe not even a signature. Also as shown in one of the images there looks to possibly be some additional writing, and if so I’m guessing it’s the name of the ship. It’s a fairly long name, and looks to possibly start with an “S”.
“If anyone can provide additional insight on this piece please do so. Thanks up front for any and all information.
“Best Regards,
“Scott