Q: Could you tell me the basics when looking at “antique” scrimshaw? – Richard S.
A: Antique scrimshaw can be difficult to discern, but it’s often less detailed than modern scrimshaw. Many examples of modern scrimshaw can be seen at the facebook site “scrimshaw collectors guild“, where many modern artists show their work.
Antique scrimshaw is often discolored, with the grain and crazing showing through. That being said, a lot of modern scrimshaw is done on antique ivory, especially billiard balls. A close look at the crazing (cracks) should show whether the scrimshaw was done over the cracks (modern on antique ivory), or was done, then the ivory aged. As to whale teeth, many replicas, known as “fakeshaw” abound, and there are still kits available with blank faux whale’s teeth. If you have any piece on hand or are interested in getting a once-over, the aforementioned Facebook site would be a place to start. Also, there is a book titled “Fakeshaw” available through Amazon.com and possibly other places – the price varies greatly from 22.50 to over $100. Possibly available from a local library.Finally, you may want to
look on flickr.com for scrimshaw, where there are many pictures from museums, and pinterest.com – though both pinterest will show a whole range from ancient to modern.
One other place to study ivory in general would be to look on http://www.internationalivorysociety.org/, the International Ivory Society, who is working to at least make mammoth ivory legal in all states once again, as well as reining in the runaway train that has stopped everything from bagpipes to violin bows from crossing the border for use in orchestras, bands and other musical venues.