Sold for $9,760

Important and Fine Baleen Ditty Box, circa 1846, made by Jacob B. Gardner, Jr. born 1826 in New London, Connecticut, seaman aboard the bark Allbree of Mystic, 1844-47. The box displays a kaleidoscopic 10-point star on an oval top inlaid with ivory, ebony, cherry, mahogany, rosewood, mother-of-pearl, abalone and bloodstone, 2 twin hearts at the ends. A baleen strap scrimshawed with a spread wing eagle and banner “Remember the Giver” flanked by floral urns and wraparound leaf veins and “This Box was Made on Board of Barque ALBREE of Mystic by J.B.G. 1846” and “on her returning home from the Coast of Kamschatca”, on a conforming baleen box with scalloped heart laps, engraved with lighthouse, fortress with sentinel, ship with American flag, catboat with 2 sailors, cathedral and architecture in background. Pine base plate.

Height 5 in. Width 10 ½ in. Depth 8 in.