It was a pleasure to create the nameplate for this clavichord. A clavichord was used largely in the Late Middle Ages, through the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical eras. Historically, it was mostly used as a practice instrument and as an aid to composition, not being loud enough for larger performances. The maker created this for his son, who is a classically trained musician. I’m hoping to get an MP3 sample of it soon and will attach it here.
Another beautiful piece more than likely originating in Portugal, it depicts a three masted ship with a lighthouse in the foreground. The owner “came across this whale tooth at a small antique shop in Branson, Missouri, about 30 years ago. It was delight at first sight! I remember the price tag had “From the Azores” written on it. It measures 6″ x 2.5″, and is heavy for its size. It makes one wonder how many Giant Squid this thing’s clamped onto.”
The owner continues: “…
If you’re a fan of sailing ship rope-ladders,…and who isn’t? Then enjoy, because there’s about 18 of them. “
A beautiful piece. anyone who knows of or knew Bessa? We’d all enjoy hearing more about this artist. Leave comments below.
Update 2020-07-14 – Richard sent me a note via “questions[at]scrimshaw.com” stating: ” M Bessa had a small shop in the town of Praia da Vitoria on the island of Terceira, Azores, Portugal. I was stationed at Lajes Field for 3 1/2 years [approximately 1980] , while serving in the USAF, and spent many hours in his shop talking and watching him work. …” He also sent another photo of on an original M Bessa on a wood pedastal. Thanks Richard!
Richard writes: “I’m glad the owner was pleased with what little information I could provide. It was so long ago, but it brought back lots of fond memories. The Azores is a magical place.I’ve attached a few more pictures. I hope you enjoy them.”
Thanks again, Richard. I hope to someday find my way to the Azores and to Portugal – Lisbon would be a wonderous day trip, though I’m sure the Azores would be where I would fall in love with the culture and the land. Below are a few more pics from Richard:
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.
Anyone know the artist? Please comment in the section below!
Barlow is a name many people recognize in scrimshaw. Just about everything I’ve ever seen on finished goods such as knives, belt buckles, lighters, jewelry, etc. This one is scrimmed on what appears to be a whale tooth, and was inherited recently.
An amazing amount of seagulls circle the ship, more than the typical 2-5 on most scrimshaws. The front is extremely polished while the back is dull and unpolished. We’re waiting for a picture of the signature which will hopefully be provided soon. The owner writes:
“I have this piece that is scrimshawed and is absolutely beautiful. I don’t know if it’s a whale tooth or walrus. It’s signed by Steve Barlow. I have attached a couple of pictures and hope that maybe you can guide me to finding someone that can tell me if it’s a real original or a Knock-off. I received it from as an inheritance and have no clue. …”
The signature appears as “Steve T Barlow”…
Base of tooth appears to the right. While there is a nerve cavity, the sides appear quite thick…
If you have any knowledge of the piece, please leave your comments below.
A whale tooth from a Goodwill store in Ohio… you never know where you’re going to find a treasure.
“I purchased a scrimshaw Walrus tooth at a Goodwill store Ohio. I didn’t know what it actually was. Just thought the tooth was Neat with drawing on it, Then googled and was reading1 This is how I found your site. I was looking at signature and it looks like wwnnnww LoL”
2019-05-13 — Special thanks to Douglass Moody for the following information:
| Special thanks to Douglass Moody for the quick and informative response: ” Naguruk, Nuguruk and Nunuk As per Dorothy Jean Ray in her book A Legacy of Arctic Art, page 148, ” I saw names like “Nunuk” and “Nuguruk” inscribed on pieces at a time when most ivory art was anonymous; few Eskimos in Nome vicinity signed their work, and if they did, they used a binomial… I later learned that these objects were made in Seattle, usually mass-produced from a master engraved on ivory pieces, usually elephant ivory, with a tag “genuine ivory”, which were then sent to Alaska, where customers mistakenly thought they were buying Eskimo-made objects of walrus ivory,” http://www.ahgupuk.com/Naguruk%20Nuguruk%20Nunuk.html Douglass and many other collectors can be found on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/scrimshawcollectorsguild/ Here you can find both artists and collectors of this engaging art. |
Anyone recognize the artist? It’s a great style. Post your responses below if you know, and thanks for looking!