25th Apr, 2012 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Anzac)
117
[M] AN EXTREMELY RARE 19TH-CENTURY SAILOR'S...
AN EXTREMELY RARE 19TH-CENTURY SAILOR'S SCRIMSHAW-DECORATED WHALE'S TOOTH PIPE
incised overall with finely-observed geometric patterns and a whaler's profile entitled META around the back of the bowl -- 3¾in. (9.5cm.) long; 75g.
This extraordinary artefact is singular not only for its rarity, but the complex nature of its construction - hewn from a tooth and using the root as a natural 'pipe', the contrast between the root and tooth is clearly visible, as are the heavily carbonised bowl, tooth-marked and nicotine-stained mouth piece: this was clearly more than a souvenir or gift, but a much used part of this seaman's life aboard.
incised overall with finely-observed geometric patterns and a whaler's profile entitled META around the back of the bowl -- 3¾in. (9.5cm.) long; 75g.
This extraordinary artefact is singular not only for its rarity, but the complex nature of its construction - hewn from a tooth and using the root as a natural 'pipe', the contrast between the root and tooth is clearly visible, as are the heavily carbonised bowl, tooth-marked and nicotine-stained mouth piece: this was clearly more than a souvenir or gift, but a much used part of this seaman's life aboard.
Sold for £3,720
Estimated at £3,000 - £4,000
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
AN EXTREMELY RARE 19TH-CENTURY SAILOR'S SCRIMSHAW-DECORATED WHALE'S TOOTH PIPE
incised overall with finely-observed geometric patterns and a whaler's profile entitled META around the back of the bowl -- 3¾in. (9.5cm.) long; 75g.
This extraordinary artefact is singular not only for its rarity, but the complex nature of its construction - hewn from a tooth and using the root as a natural 'pipe', the contrast between the root and tooth is clearly visible, as are the heavily carbonised bowl, tooth-marked and nicotine-stained mouth piece: this was clearly more than a souvenir or gift, but a much used part of this seaman's life aboard.
incised overall with finely-observed geometric patterns and a whaler's profile entitled META around the back of the bowl -- 3¾in. (9.5cm.) long; 75g.
This extraordinary artefact is singular not only for its rarity, but the complex nature of its construction - hewn from a tooth and using the root as a natural 'pipe', the contrast between the root and tooth is clearly visible, as are the heavily carbonised bowl, tooth-marked and nicotine-stained mouth piece: this was clearly more than a souvenir or gift, but a much used part of this seaman's life aboard.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Anzac), 25th Apr, 2012
