Fine Whale Ivory, Baleen, Tortoiseshell and Brass Miniature Covered Tub, circa 1840, the 3-piece bottom with 2-baleen dividers are inserted in a cut-channel of each of the 18 ivory vertical staves and 18 vertical baleen dividers; two staves extend past the rim and are carved in the shape of hearts, 3-brass bands wrap the exterior; the conforming cover fashioned from 3 pieces of ivory inlaid with narrow bands of alternating tortoise and baleen extending from the central tortoiseshell medallion mounted with a turned and scribed knob, all ivory pegged to a walnut interior base. The tub was likely made by a cooper and from the same whale tooth.
Height 4 in. Diameter 4 ½ in.

Provenance: The Tripp Estate, a well represented family in the whaling industry out of Westport, Massachusetts; Richard Donnelly to the Present Owner