19th Century Scrimshaw Snuff Box

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19th Century Scrimshaw Snuff Box

About the Item

19th Century Scrimshaw Snuff Box We are proud to offer an early 19th Century fork art bone scrimshaw snuff box. Detail across this example includes a working hinge flap and finger shaped pinch hole. The scrimshaw detail that includes a basket of sorts on the lid, workman to front and rear with hammers in hand, tree, and house. Scrimshaw is scrollwork, engravings, and carvings done in bone or ivory. Typically, it refers to the artwork created by whalers, engraved on the by-products of whales, such as bones or cartilage. It is mostly made from the bone and teeth of sperm whales, the baleen of other whales, and the tusks of walrus. 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, small sculptures made from the same material. However, the latter really fall into the categories of ivory carving, for all carved teeth and tusks, or bone carving. The making of scrimshaw probably began on whaling ships in the late 18th century and survived until the ban on commercial whaling. 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. Size in inches: H 1” x W 3” x D 2” Origin: European Period: Early 19th Century Material: Bone Condition: Completely solid in structure and form, the surface is well aged and faded around the edges. A deep patina across the whole item with one small hole at the edge. Its exceedingly difficult to photograph all the areas in this piece, therefore we strongly suggest reviewing all the photos provided as part of this advert and propose questions where sections are unclear to avoid disappointment.

Dimensions:
Height: 1 in (2.54 cm)Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Style:
Folk Art (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bone,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
1820-1829
Date of Manufacture:
1820
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU4304222901352