Late 19th Century Scrimshaw Walrus Tusk

Late 19th Century Scrimshaw Walrus Tusk

A large tusk, sliced in half, with magnificent pointillistic scrimshaw illustrations, including fish, walrus, dogs sleds, open hunting boats, kayaks, whales, a village scene of tents, fishing nets, and more. While most of the scrimshaw was done with black ink, some items were stippled with brown ink with a slighly reddish tone.

One of the photos shows the wonderful curve near the tip of the tusk. On the back of the tusk are two tiny, primitive scrimshaw drawings; one of two walruses and one of a walrus skull with tusks attached.

Note that multiple marks are visible on the back of the tusk from the process of slicing with hand tools.

Provenance: Walter C. Waters’ Bear Totem Store, Wrangell, Alaska, in operation from 1920 to ca. 1952

21 inches long

Because of ivory trading regulations, this item can not be shipped to New York, California, New Jersey, Hawaii, or any country other than the United States.