What is a scrimshaw artist?

Historically speaking, scrimshaw artists (aka “scrimshanders”) were whalemen, sailors, or others who made their living on the sea. They used materials taken from sea animals, mainly whales but also porpoises, walruses, and even mollusks.

Is scrimshaw jewelry valuable?

Prices range from less than $1,000 to $75,000 or more, with ongoing scholarship increasing the interest of collectors and the values of scrimshaw.

How did sailors scrimshaw?

These engravings were mostly done with pocket knives and sometimes, with a bit of luck, a discarded needle from the ship’s sail maker. The sailor would first make the surface of the teeth and bones smooth and even by removing the natural imperfections with pumice or shark’s skin.

Is it illegal to sell scrimshaw?

Under the Endangered Species Act, any scrimshaw item that can be proved to be 100 or more years old can be sold interstate; any other item cannot. Reproductions, copies and fake scrimshaw items often can fool the novice.

Can scrimshaw be sold?

Under the Endangered Species Act, any scrimshaw item that can be proved to be 100 or more years old can be sold interstate; any other item cannot.

When was scrimshaw invented?

Scrimshaw are objects created by whalers from the by-product of the whale, such as bones, teeth, baleen and bones. It was first done by sailors working on whaling ships out of the coast of New England between 1745 and 1759 until the moratorium of commercial whaling in 1986.

How can you tell if scrimshaw is real?

To accomplish this test, heat a pin until it’s almost red hot and then touch it to an inconspicuous part of the item. If it scorches and smells like burning bone, you’ve got a real piece on your hands. The pin test will cause polymer or plastic to melt into the piece and emit the smell of burning plastic.

A true artist, and his signed scrimwork often demanded higher prices than other scrimshanders in the islands among American yachters wanting souvenirs of their cruises to the Azores. Key Traits: Often signs with “Scrimshaw by” and a symbol and two-digit year.

What are the characteristics of a scrimshaw signature?

Key Traits: Often signs with “Scrimshaw by” and a symbol and two-digit year. Key Traits: Usually signs first and last name followed by two-digit year. Key Traits: Many pieces unsigned in front. Key Traits: Signed with combined letters “B” and “E,” with the “E” being backwards.

What is scrimshaw made out of?

Scrimshaw. It is most commonly made out of the bones and teeth of sperm whales, the baleen of other whales, and the tusks of walruses. It takes the form of elaborate engravings in the form of pictures and lettering on the surface of the bone or tooth, with the engraving highlighted using a pigment, or, less often,…

What do you call a scrimshander?

Scrimshaw. The practice survives as a hobby and as a trade for commercial artisans. A maker of scrimshaw is known as a scrimshander. The word first appeared in print in the early 19th century, but the etymology is uncertain.