Fine Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth “The Audley Clarke of Newport, Rhode Island“, circa 1840s, a starboard view of a cutting in scene with red polychrome, deck hands, ship on the horizon with legend “Audley, Clarke. New, Port, RI.” On February 15, 1849 as gold rush fever spread in California, 75 Newporters sailed on the old whaler Audley Clark under Capt. Ayrault Wanton Dennis. After 198 days the ship pulled into San Francisco Bay. Audley Clarke was immediately deserted and floundered in litigation concerning ownership and customs matters. Most passengers stayed out west or embarked on a voyage to Australia’s Gold Rush.

Audley Clarke (1770-1844)

Length 8 3/4 in. Width 3 1/2 in.