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Mystery Artist 56 – “MB” from the Northwest – Addition on 2024

Posted on January 28, 2022April 21, 2024 by Andrew Perkins

A beautifully detailed ship and expertly stylized sailor scrimshaw on what appears to be stabilized bone or walrus tusk. I haven’t seen any material like this before. The rope framing is well done, and there may be additional initials under the sailor’s arm looking like “LB” or LS?

It was a gift from someone in the northwest, and the current owner would love to find out more information about it. A simple mounting and additional marking of what appears to be “T 16-5-82” on the back. Any information about the artist and the material would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve looked through the scrimshaw artist marks and signatures (thank you for creating this, Jim Stevens!) and haven’t found a match. Please add to the comments below.

2024 – Additional scrimshaw pieces have surfaced in the Far North of New Zealand, “…a strong whaling area in the 1800s”. The initials are a little different, looking like a conglomeration of “PMJB” on one, and possibly “MJB” on the smaller one. The owner is looking for more information and possible value, including the material. The shape of the tall ship reminds me of cattle bone along with the grain to the right, but I’ve only worked on similar materials – it may be part of a tusk or tooth – a picture of the back may reveal more clues (I’ll ask).

Any help in identifying the artist and the materials would be helpful. Please respond in the comments below!

Mystery Artist 50 – Bessa – Solved!

Posted on September 5, 2019August 10, 2020 by Andrew Perkins

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!

An original Bessa via Richard, depicting a ship in the background with a whale and a skiff and sailor in the foreground. — Another M Bessa via 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:

Vertical Whale tooth with scrimshaw of a whaling ship in full sail by M Bessa

Bessa and Gaspar receipt from the pre-internet days.

Mystery Artist 41 – Curtis from the 1980’s

Posted on August 6, 2018November 25, 2018 by Andrew Perkins

From Hal:

“I am a knife collector in the St. Louis. MO area and acquired a knife with a scrimshaw of an elk head signed Curtis ’84 and would like to get more information about the artist and possibly the knife maker.

“My research points to a Jean E. Curtis of Lansing, MI as the artist but I am unable to find any additional information about her. I would like to get information about her work and if possible, contact her to see if she has any additional information about the knife.

“Local knife makers, collectors, and dealers agree that the scrimshaw is impressive. They also think the handle scales are possibly some form of ivory, though probably not elephant.

“The knife also has a logo/trademark on the blade with Cantini – Weirton, WV. I’ve contacted RW Knives of Weirton, WV a custom knife maker (rwknives@comcast.net) and they had no information.

Cantini seems to be a popular name and I’ve spent a lot of time going through logos and trademarks with no success so far.

Any information about the scrimshaw or knife would be greatly appreciated.”

Anyone know the knifemaker or the artist? We’d love to know. Respond in the comments section below.

Scrimshaw Mystery Artist # 4 – Tree Motif, West Coast

Posted on March 31, 2012June 3, 2012 by Andrew

I went slack jawed when I saw this (and that’s not my usual response to a piece of scrimshaw!) – this beautiful piece was purchased in Tonopa Nevada at a liquor store between 1977-1980. The seller had said the piece originated in Alaska.

The bracelet appears to be sterling silver with the initials AL PL EE 60 on the back. I’ll see if the owner can get a clear picture of the initials as well. The owner is looking for any history or information about the artist. Do you have any information on the artist? We’d love to hear from you! Simply add a comment below if you have any information that can you feel can help.

Scrimshaw Mystery – Artist Known!

Posted on March 31, 2012June 3, 2012 by Andrew

We know the artist who created this piece – we just wonder if you know how he did it! Charles Long is an artist with a sense of humor, to be sure. Somehow, he got this scrimshaw into a bottle, and no – we’re not talking scrimshaw beer! Guess if you can, and we’ll let you know in a month or two how he managed this imaginative piece of artwork.