Description

RESERVED – not available for general sale.

An extremely rare and utterly charming antique scrimshaw pendant; modelled as a ‘Nantucket Basket’ from bone, with wooden lid and base and hand etched with Scrimshaw galleon to the front. To the base it has an etched fishing rod and the date ‘1881’.

I am not an expert in antique scrimshaw but from my research I believe this to be a genuine antique Scrimshaw basket. The ‘Nantucket Basket’ is a type of basket made from rattan and wood; originating on Nantucket Island, in the 19th Century. They took inspiration from early Native American baskets and were adapted by sailors of Lightships of Nantucket and used to carry all sorts of produce on board ship. The baskets became a popular symbol in the region and were often given as sweetheart tokens from a sailor to his girl on shore.

This exquisite little example has been hand crafted; the bone has been molded into shape and then pinned and glued to make the basket shape. It has the most charming little metal hinge which has also been pinned and glued in place. This piece is made extra special by the charming Scrimshaw rendition of a galleon in full sail, and the carved fishing rod and date on the base; it is extremely rare to find these pieces dated.

A chain has been added at a later date to make it into a wearable pendant and it makes a most striking addition to any Scrimshaw, sailing, or folk art collection.

ERA: Victorian – dated 1881 – and having researched the item, and looking at construction I believe this to be genuine.

MATERIAL: Bone, Wood. Metal Pins and Hinge, later chain

SIZE: 2 x 1.5 x 1.4cm high (not including handle. With the handle it sits at 3cm high.

CONDITION: Great antique condition – this is a rare piece of folk art that has been hand made and as such evidence of its construction is visible throughout but that is precisely part of its charm! Scrimshaw galleon is crisply done and nicely proportioned. Hinge works well on lid. Later chain is secure through the loop.

CARE GUIDANCE: This is very much a special occasion piece given its age and how rare it is. Absolutely do not immerse in liquids or spray with aerosols / perfumes.

SHIPPING: Free inside the U.S. and to the UK – see customer care section for terms and conditions of shipping.