Maritime Arts

Sold for $172,500
Dependable Expert Evaluations
A leader in the field of Maritime Arts, having invested decades toward connoisseurship and expertise, Rafael Osona ensures consignors and buyers expert evaluations for all types of marine works of art, objects and artifacts.
We offer works by Jacobsen, Buttersworth, Badger, Stubbs, Bricher, Boudin and Sheffield to name a few; including seascapes, ship’s portraits, mariner’s portraits, prisoner-of-war artifacts, ship models, pond yachts, dioramas, mariner’s folk arts, sailor’s valentines, ship’s figureheads, and whaling artifacts.
Maritime and Marine Art – an Evolution
MARITIME ART
The Maritime arts (paintings, prints, sculpture) are distinctive for their ship’s portraits and heroic accounts of battles with or on the sea. As an art genre, they flourished from the 17th century Dutch Golden Age through the 18th century.
During a period when monarchies, sovereigns, colonies and settlements were uniquely dependent on the sea for trade, travel and exploration, paintings that commemorated maritime supremacy were in great demand. Portraits, epic sea battles, a triumph over a massive whale or survival against violent storms were recorded in paintings as collectible now, as they were in their day.
Ship portraits were commissioned by ship owners, captains and others, and by the 18th century maritime prints had become as important a revenue stream to artists as were the original paintings. ‘Pierhead’ artists proliferated on docks throughout Europe, (and Canton, China) selling inexpensive ship portraits.
Maritime painters of ship portraits continue their work to the present day, with artists such as Montague Dawson (1895–1973). Like many, he found that works showing traditional sailing ships were more in demand than those of modern vessels.
MARINE ART
With the 18th century came Romanticism and as maritime painters began to align with mainstream art, their figurative perspective aligned as well. While James E. Buttersworth and other steadfast artists brought their ship’s portraiture to America, others contemplated a more idyllic relationship between mankind and the sea.
At odds with prior maritime arts heavy swells, cannons and malevolent skies Fitz Henry Lane (1817-1894) painted small boats in tranquil bays – as did Hudson River School artists. Winslow Homer and Thomas Eakins increasingly painted marine art as well.
Partial list of Maritime and Marine Painters
- Marie Edouard Adam (1847-1929)
- James Gardner Babbidge (1844-1919)
- S.F.M. Badger (1873-1919)
- James Bard (1815-1897)
- Thomas Birch (1779-1851)
- Eugene Louis Boudin (1824-1898)
- Alfred Thompson Bricher (1837-1908)
- James E. Buttersworth (1817-1894)
- Thomas Buttersworth, Jr. (1797-1842)
- Thomas Buttersworth, Sr. (1768-1828)
- John Wilson Carmichael (1800-1868)
- Fred S. Cozzens (1846-1928)
- William R. Davis (b. 1952)
- Montague Dawson (1890-1973)
- Clement Drew (1806-1889)
- Lai Fong (act. 1860-1900)
- Charles H. Gifford (1839-1904)
- Gordon Grant (1875-1962)
- Jack L. Gray (1927-1981)
- William John Huggins (1781-1845)
- Antonio Jacobsen (1850-1921)
- Michael Keane (Contemporary)
- Richard Haley Lever (1876-1958)
- John F. Loos (act. 1861-1895)
- William Lowe (b.1940)
- Richard Loud (b. 1942)
- Duncan McFarlane (1818-1865)
- William Edward Norton (1842-1916)
- John Scott (1802-1885)
- Isaac Sheffield (1798-1845)
- Frank Vining Smith (1879-1967)
- Joseph B. Smith (1798-1876)
- Richard Spencer (1812-1897)
- John Stobart (b. 1929)
- William P. Stubbs (1842-1909)
- Tim Thompson (b. 1951)
- John Tudgay (1836-1859)
- Frederick Tudgay (1841-1921)
- Thomas H. Willis (1850-1925)
- William Howard Yorke (1847-1921)
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Scrimshaw Whale Tooth “The Audley Clarke of Newport, Rhode Island”
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.
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Fine Mahogany and Cherrywood Inlaid Box, circa 1850
Fine Mahogany and Cherrywood Inlaid Box, circa 1850, attributed to Captain Spencer Pratt, Bristol, RI (active 1835-1855), the box inlaid with mother-of-pearl stars, pinwheels, hearts, clovers, diamonds, shields, floral baskets and sprigs, teardrops and dots. Two-inlaid tortoiseshell plaques, line inlay, 2 polyhedron knobs, 4 silver stars and arrows all on ivory ball feet.
Height 5 ½ in. Width 10 ½ in. Depth 6 ½ in.
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Rare Whaler Made Whale Ivory Fid, circa 1840-50
Rare Whaler Made Whale Ivory Fid, circa 1840-50, finely executed manrope grip with baleen spacer and tusk tip. The base of the grip is constructed to mimic the tip.
Length 14 in.
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United States Life Saving Service Shot Line Faking Box, 19th Century
United States Life Saving Service Shot Line Faking Box, 19th Century, for use with the Lyle line throwing gun, carrying box with original blue paint and U.S.L.S.S. markings.
Height 14 in. Width 24 in. Depth 17 in.
Provenance: Descended in the family of Captain James Cary, Master and half-owner of the Ship Rose.
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Decorative Boxed Double Sailor’s Valentine
Decorative Boxed Double Sailor’s Valentine, a 12-inch octagonal hinged box with tropical shells, heart and star motif within a wreath surrounded by swags and triangles.
Diameter 12 in. Length Open 24 in.
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Emile Albert Gruppe Oil on Canvas “The Float, Gloucester”
Emile Albert Gruppe (American 1896-1978) Oil on Canvas “The Float, Gloucester”, signed lower left Emile A. Gruppe and titled in pencil on stretcher, in 22k carved gold leaf Guido frame.
20 in. x 18 in. Overall 26 ¾ n. x 24 ¾ in.
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Emile Albert Gruppe Oil on Canvas “Gloucester Fishing Boats”
Emile Albert Gruppe (American 1896-1978) Oil on Canvas “Gloucester Fishing Boats”, depicting a working fisherman and fishing boats at Gloucester dock, signed lower right Emile A. Gruppe and titled in pencil on stretcher, in 22k carved gold leaf Guido frame.
20 in. x 18 in. Overall 24 ¼ x 24 ½ in.
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Large Scrimshaw “Thieves Reward” Whale Tooth, mid 19th Century
Large Scrimshaw “Thieves Reward” Whale Tooth, mid 19th Century, engraved on both sides, the obverse with a sailor from the rear reaching into a long coat hanging on a peg by the door with the caption “Thieves.” The verso depicts the same sailor hanging from a noose with the caption “Reward” at the base.
Height 8 ¼ in.
Provenance: Sold Rafael Osona Auctions “The Barbara Johnson Collection of Scrimshaw & Whaling Artifacts”, August 14, 1993, lot 184, pg 35, to the present owner. Original 1993 catalog accompanies this lot.
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Two Bone Whales Inner Ears, 19th Century
Two Bone Whales Inner Ears, 19th Century.
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Antonio Jacobsen Oil on Artist Board “Portrait of a 3-Mast Clipper Ship in Turbulent Seas”
Antonio Jacobsen (1850-1921) Oil on Artist Board “Portrait of a 3-Mast Clipper Ship in Turbulent Seas”, lifeboat approaching, pilot boat at bow and furled sails, signed lower right Antonio Jacobsen in contemporary molded wood frame. Accompanied by a Harpers Weekly Feb 10, 1877 full page illustration of this exact view.
11 ½ in. x 19 in. Overall 15 ½ in. x 23 ¼ in.
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Rare Large Size Wood and Whale Ivory Puzzle Box, early 19th Century
Rare Large Size Wood and Whale Ivory Puzzle Box, early 19th Century, purportedly from the Coffin family of Nantucket. The sliding and swiveling top pinned together by a polished whale ivory cabochon button and painted with initials B.M.C.
Height 2 ¾ in. Length 9 ½ in. Width 5 ¼ in.
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Ship Levi Starbuck Log Book On a Whaling Voyage to the South Pacific Oceon Joseph P. Nye Master 1841-1845
Ship Levi Starbuck. Log Book. On a Whaling Voyage to the South Pacific Oceon. Joseph P. Nye Master. Thursday June 3 1841 – Thursday April 1 1845, encountering sperm and right whales.
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Fine 20-Lift Lapstrake Hawks Nest Half Hull, 19th century
Fine 20-Lift Lapstrake Hawks Nest Half Hull, 19th century, in original finish, painted REI.35 on bow.
Length 44 in.
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Paul Morris Carved Whale Ivory Whale Species on Mahogany Board
Paul Morris Carved Whale Ivory Whale Species on Mahogany Board, with ten scrimshaw species identifying name plaques and carved whales: Killer, Right, Humpback, Sperm, Blue, Finback, Gray, Bowhead, Narwhal and Porpoise, signed on reverse PCM. Per Federal Regulations this item may only be purchased by a Massachusetts resident and will not be shipped out of state.
Whales range in length from 2 ¾ in. to 5 in. Overall Height 32 in. Width 8 in.
Provenance: Estate of Linda Loring, 4 Rays Court, Nantucket
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Schrader’s Son United States Navy Mark V Diving Helmet, circa 1942
Schrader’s Son United States Navy Mark V Diving Helmet, circa 1942, #57A Manufactured by A. Schrader’s Son, Div. Mod. No.1, March 1942, Brooklyn, N.Y., 12 bolt with serial number 57A on the maker’s tag affixed to the chest plate. Stamped with the US Navy Anchor Inspection mark and #7407, corresponding stamps #1235 on both the helmet and chest plate. Front plate stamped Front, back plate stamped Back. The gasket below the patent valve stamped “Mfd. by Battery ESS Tel Equip. Co. Inc.”. Inside rim of helmet stamped #1402, on custom wood stand. Per US-Government specifications, all Mark V helmets were to be dated with at least the month and year they were produced.
This helmet was made by the A. Schrader’s Son Company, Brooklyn New York. Schrader started making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1840s. They fine-tuned their diving helmet design and became a major supplier to the US Navy. The company went on to be one of the major suppliers of the Mark V from 1916 till shortly after World War II. During World War II only two companies were making dive helmets for the U.S. Navy. The Mark V was used for submarine rescue and salvage work during this period. During the 1850s, August Schrader, a German immigrant, was a dealer in rubber products and supplied fittings and valves for Goodyear. In 1849, in partnership with Christian Baecher they developed a copper helmet for diving and the company evolved from there.
Height with Stand 25 in. Width of Wood Base 18 ½ in. x 18 ½ in.
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D. Baker – New Bedford Cast Iron Sperm Whale Doorstop, 19th Century
D. Baker – New Bedford Cast Iron Sperm Whale Doorstop, 19th Century, hollow cast iron sperm whale with lug feet marked D. Baker – New Bedford in the casting, verso.
Length 23 in.
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Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth, circa 1840
Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth, circa 1840, yellow patina, the recto depicts two whale ships (one cutting-in) on a pod of whales with 2 boats out and 9 whales, vertical waves; the verso with an aggressive eagle in flight clutching the American flag, above 2 ships on the ocean, “E. Pluribus Unum” engraved above.
Length 5 ½ in. Width 2 ½ in.
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Gilbert Gaul (American 1855-1919) Oil on Artist Board “Portrait of a Standing Sailor”
Gilbert Gaul (American 1855-1919) Oil on Artist Board “Portrait of a Standing Sailor”, signed lower right Gilbert Gaul, in original flat gilt frame with liner.
22 ½ in. x 16 ½ in. Overall 28 ½ in. x 22 ¼ in.
Provenance: Property of a Lady, North Haledon, New Jersey
Gilbert Gaul was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He attended school in New Jersey and moved to New York where he studied art with Lemuel E. Wilmarth at the school of the National Academy of Design from 1872 to 1876, and privately with the noted genre painter, J. G. Brown. He continued his training at the Art Students League during 1875 and 1876. Gaul first exhibited his work at the National Academy in 1877. Gaul became highly regarded as an illustrator, garnering recognition for his contributions to Harper’s Monthly; Century Magazine, Scribner’s Monthly and Cosmopolitan.
His works can be found in permanent collections of many of the nation’s museums, including the Cheekwood Museum, Nashville; the Corcoran Gallery, Washington, D.C.; the Georgia Museum of Art, Athens; the Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa; Greenville County Museum, South Carolina; the Blanton Museum, University of Texas, Austin; the High Museum, Atlanta; the Brandywine River Museum, Delaware; the Morris Museum, Augusta; the New-York Historical Society, New York; and the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.
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Robert Stark Jr. (1933-2014) Oil on Canvas “Off Coatue – Nantucket”
Robert Stark Jr. (1933-2014) Oil on Canvas “Off Coatue – Nantucket”, signed lower right R. Stark, in custom carved rope gilt frame.
19 ½ in. x 39 ½ in. Overall 26 ¼ in. x 46 ¼ in.
Provenance: Property of a Lady, North Haledon, New Jersey
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Oil on Canvas “Portrait of Captain Levi Starbuck”
Oil on Canvas “Portrait of Captain Levi Starbuck”, circa 1800, a bust length portrait of Starbuck facing right, wearing a black high-collared coat with brass buttons over white vest, shirt and stock, in period gilt frame. Levi Starbuck made three voyages on the whaleship Harlequin between 1799 and 1808; Levi Starbuck (b. 09 October 1769, d. 20 August 1849) , son of Thomas Starbuck (1742-1830) and Dinah Trott (1743-1824) and husband to Elisabeth Ramsdell (1773-1852)
16 in. x 12 in. Overall 22 in. x 18 in.
Provenance: Carolyn Pesnell Amory, sold Rafael Osona Auctions August 7, 1999 to the Present Owner
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Robert Stark Jr. Oil on Canvas “Breezing In”
SOLD FOR $36,000
Robert Stark Jr. (1933-2014) Oil on Canvas “Breezing In“, depicting a lone catboat with red sail, sandy beach foreground and Brant Point Lighthouse in the distance, signed lower right R. Stark and dated on verso 10/27/99, in gold leaf rope trim carved frame.
23 ½ in. x 49 ½ in.
Overall 31 ½ in. x 57 ½ in. -
Whaleman Made Abalone, Whalebone and Whale Ivory Scrimshaw And Polychromed Presentation Keepsake Box, circa 1830-1850
SOLD FOR $22,800
Whaleman Made Abalone, Whalebone and Whale Ivory Scrimshaw And Polychromed Presentation Keepsake Box, circa 1830-1850, a spectacular feat in maritime design and inlay work. The rectangular hinged box totally trimmed in whalebone, the top has an ivory scrimshawed plaque engraved with a spread winged eagle clutching arrows and laurel with banner in beak and budding vine border, sawtooth and star frame. Mother-of-pearl quarter-fans at the corners, diamonds and 8 various designed pinwheels and more. The front and sides have a 2-tier mother of pearl inlaid curtain swag and drop border with dots and stars above a sunburst center flanked by robust cornucopias. Each side with whale ivory posts and ring handles flanked by stars and teardrop wheels. All with saw-tooth base trim supported on four whale ivory turned feet. The reverse inlaid with mother of pearl dots, teardrops and diamonds, 6-point star flanked by 2 American shields with 4-polychromed flags – American, British and others. The underneath pine box trimmed in whalebone straps.
Height 6 in. Width 11 ½ in. Depth 7 ¾ in. -
Exceptional and Fine Carved Whale Ivory Pie Crimper, Circa 1850-1860
SOLD FOR $9,000
Exceptional and Fine Carved Whale Ivory Pie Crimper, circa 1850-1860, the large crimper in three sections, all from the same sperm whale tooth. The solid zigzag wheel pinned to a pierced and hollowed grip and silver pinned large stylized feather finial with scroll-work and geometric design throughout.
Length 9 in. -
Large Whale Ivory and Whalebone Walking Stick, circa 1850
SOLD FOR $7,200
Large Whale Ivory and Whalebone Walking Stick, circa 1850, a well defined ivory fist grip and collar clenching a scrimshawed serpent twice through the palm and around the wrist. The collar and ivory section divided by two copper spacers, one carved with a series of octagonal disks, reeding and cross-hatching; the tapering shaft with fine and deep hatch-work above a rounded ring above a rope carving with worm-line, ending in a 4 ¼” ferrule capped in pewter.
Length 34 ¾ in. -
Robert Stark Jr. Oil on Masonite “Sunset Sail ‘Round Sankaty Light”
SOLD FOR $12,980
Robert Stark Jr. (1933-2014) Oil on Masonite
“Sunset Sail ‘Round Sankaty Light“, signed lower right R. Stark in 22k gilt and ebonized frame.
12 in. x 16 in. -
James Cromartie Acrylic on Board “Brant Point Light”
SOLD FOR $4,720
James Cromartie Acrylic on Board
“Brant Point Light” depicting one of Nantucket’s most iconic views, rosa rugosa in full bloom and seagulls in flight. Gilt frame with linen mat, signed lower right J. Cromartie.20 in. x 30 in.
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Important Ship’s Logbook “Journal of a Whaling Voyage On Board Ship Wabash”
SOLD FOR $18,000
Important Ship’s Logbook: “Journal of a Whaling Voyage On Board Ship Wabash from New London Toward the South Atlantic Ocean, Luther Fuller, Master,” kept by First Mate Thomas G. Nickerson from June 23, 1832 – April 11, 1833
Thomas G. Nickerson (1805-1883) was cabin boy on the whaleship Essex, which was stove by a whale and sunk November 20th, 1820. Nickerson left the wreckage aboard Owen Chase’s whaleboat and was rescued after 89 days adrift at sea. He was one only of eight survivors of the Essex. Nickerson and Chase’s later written accounts inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick. After rescue, he returned to Nantucket and quickly returned to whaling, eventually working his way up the ranks to captain.
This journal was kept while Nickerson was first mate of the ship Wabash, which began whaling in 1828. As the ship returned home to New London from its next voyage, in 1834, it was lost off Montauk Point, Long Island, carrying 1,100 barrels of whale oil.
This leather-bound volume with marbleized cover boards contains a total of 78 pages. The log of daily entries, written in clear and legible script, includes: weather observations; positions; 36 watercolor entries of American and other countries’ flags of ships sighted flying their colors; 44 whale’s tail stamps indicating sighted whales; 22 full-body whale stamps of various species taken by the ship, some with “chimney’s afire” spouting blood from their blowholes; and multiple watercolor landscape views of various ports and harbors.
Other highlights in the log include: his wife’s name on the inside cover; Nickerson’s signature on the final entry; a full-page list of whales taken with date, longitude and latitude, the number of barrels of oil produced, and the name of the whale totaling 22 whales, 1683 barrels, 4 sunk whales lost; and a complete list of officers and crew. The journal also contains later drawings and letters written by Nickerson’s nephew Franklin R. Coffin, dated 1859.
Provenance: Descended in Family, Thomas G. Nickerson to Margaret B. (Drew) Nickerson, Franklin R. Coffin, Lydia B. Ray, Nantucket, Currier Estate, Portland, Connecticut.
Accompanied by 19th century Coffin and Currier family Daughters of the American Revolution Genealogy record documents.
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Very Fine Architectural Whale Ivory and Whalebone Inlaid Walking Stick
SOLD FOR $21,600
Very Fine Architectural Whale Ivory and Whalebone Inlaid Walking Stick, circa 1855, the smooth ball grip inlaid with an abalone dot, the lower section reeded, both halves are separated by an octagonal wafer, all carved of a single piece of ivory; the bone shaft starts with a small octagonal section with tortoiseshell diamonds and mother of pearl panels above an architectural section with four reeded columns with a unique addition of a baleen rope carved interior post and cathedral-like open windows on all four sides as capitals inlaid with silver squares; the next section having 56 tortoiseshell, baleen & abalone inlays on carved octagonal panels with reeding. The lower section is a tapering and reeded to a ring then a smooth tapering end.
Length 34 ½ in. -
19th Century Carved and Polychromed Female Ship’s Figurehead
SOLD FOR $18,000
19th Century Carved and Polychromed Female Ship’s Figurehead, in original paint, an attractive female bust portrait in full round, black curled hair and golden drop earrings, wearing a powder blue, gold and white dress.
Height 24 in. Width 15 ½ in. Depth 13 in. -
Robert Perrin Folk Art Mixed Media Carpet “Greasy Luck”
SOLD FOR $4,200
Robert Perrin (1915-1999) Folk Art Mixed Media Carpet “Greasy Luck” constructed from various carpet scraps, depicting a 19th c. whale hunt with long boat, stove boat and whale ship in the distance.
25 in. x 50 in. -
Whale Ivory, Whalebone and Silver Swift
SOLD FOR $11,400
***This item will appear in our August 5th Addendum***
Whale Ivory, Whalebone and Silver Swift, mid 19th century, the very large turned ivory cup finial, table clamp and cage studded with silver and initials E.T.B, whalebone shaft and 13 ½ inch ribs supported by a fine left clenched fist clamp; accompanied by a fitted box of dovetailed construction with turned and wax filled scribed line feet, side and top knobs, four wood inlaid hearts, twelve diamonds, four ¼-inch rounds and a five-point star.Swift Height 21 ½ in. Box Height 6 in. Length 22 ½ in. Width 4 ½ in.
Provenance: Sold Rafael Osona Auctions as part of the William Coffin Collection, 2004.
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Chinese Export Oil on Canvas “Starboard Portrait of the Nantucket Ship Midnight”
SOLD FOR $14,400
***This item will appear in our August 5th Addendum***
Chinese Export Oil on Canvas “Starboard Portrait of the Nantucket Ship Midnight, Captain George H. Brock, Master, Sailing Into Hong Kong“, Chinese, circa 1850, attributed to Hin Qua (Chinese 19th c.), in period Chinese Export Chippendale frame with gilt slip and original Hong Kong frame and canvas, Merchant’s label on reverse.
21 in. x 31 in.Exhibited: Nantucket Historical Association’s
“From Brant Point to the Boca Tigris,” July 9 1994 – October 15 1994. -
Whaleman Made 3-Wheel Whale Ivory Pie Crimper
SOLD FOR $5,400
Whaleman Made 3-Wheel Whale Ivory Pie Crimper, circa 1850, a thick ivory stylized leaf-form grip inlaid with mother-of-pearl and abalone flower on both sides; the mid-section divided by square baleen spacers with two small solid zigzag wheels, the upper yoke section holds a solid zigzag wheel.
Length 8 in. -
19th Century Whaling Tools & Lance
SOLD FOR $5,700
Iron and Wood Blubber Spade, 19th Century with rare and hard to find wood box blade protector.
Length 103 in.SOLD FOR $1,440
Iron and Wood Blubber Hook, 19th Century.
Length 91 in.SOLD FOR $2,640
Iron and Wood Killing Lance, 19th Century.
Length 104 in.SOLD FOR $1,920
Iron and Wood Blubber Blanket Knife, 19th Century.
Length 75 in. -
Whaleman Made Scrimshaw Chambered Nautilus Display Case Stand
SOLD FOR $30,000
Whaleman Made Scrimshaw Chambered Nautilus Display Case Stand, circa 1850, in two parts, fashioned of dovetailed ebony and inlaid with ivory and mother of pearl dot and diamond borders, 6 three-section ivory columns with carved capitals, baleen spacers, 7 very fine turned finials, the upper two-tier section with rare shell specimens above a 6 column display of a two mirrored halves of the chambered nautilus shell, a unique feature of the piece is the side pull out inlayed framed protection glass to expose the nautilus shells.
Height 16 in. Width 15 in. Depth 4 ½ in.A note affixed to the reverse of the case states: “This chambered nautilus scrimshaw case was made for Nora Clara Barton around 1850 while on a trip around the world on her father’s whaling ship. Over fifty nautiluses were cut before this perfect specimen was obtained. The shells in the top section were collected in Cuba by Janet Auty Easterbrooks and installed in 1926. The animals were collected and added by PBE Jr. in 1926.”
Note: A similar Nautilus Shell Stand is in the collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, collection number 2001.100.666
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Whaleman Made Watch Tower
SOLD FOR $11,400
Whaleman Made Watch Tower, circa 1850, the hold and face plate of whalebone surmounted with an ivory dome with tortoise inlays and silver stars and three removable scrolled spikes, flanked by a full pair of antique sperm whale teeth with a silver stave and tortoise inlaid base step, all on a cut corner rectangular tortoise shell base with silver plaques. The edge of whalebone and inlaid tortoise plaques on ivory ball feet.
Height 8 in. Width 8 ⅞ in. Depth 4 in.Note: A watch tower by the same hand is illustrated page 213 of E. Norman Flayderman’s Scrimshaw and Scrimshander, Whales and Whalemen.
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Large Diorama Model of an American Bark in the Arctic
SOLD FOR $5,400
Large Diorama Model of an American Bark in the Arctic, circa 1870 the ship with sailor figurehead run aground on large plates of ice, four sailors in the foreground ready to launch a row boat, the background painted with glittering icebergs, the sea and a ship in the distance.
38 in. x 48 ½ in. -
Whale Ivory and Leather Walking Stick & Ivory and Whalebone Walking Stick
SOLD FOR $3,600
Whale Ivory and Leather Walking Stick, circa 1870, well defined and carved clenched fist holding a rod above a spool, reeded twist and rings on a tapering leather shaft and brass ferrule.
Length 35 in.SOLD FOR $6,600
Whaleman Carved Ivory and Whalebone Walking Stick, circa 1850, ivory domed and paneled knob grip with silver dot inlays and scribe lines, whalebone paneled and scribed section above deeply reeded and tapering shaft ending in a 4 ¼ in. ferrule.
Length 34 ½ in. -
Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory & Wood Walking Stick and Whale Ivory and Whalebone Cane
SOLD FOR $1,800
Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Malacca Wood Walking Stick, circa 1870, ivory knob grip above a carved bas relief perched eagle on a stars and stripes shield, foliate engraved gold filled band on a tapering Malacca shaft ending in a 2 ½ inch horn ferrule.
Length 35 in.SOLD FOR $7,800
Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Cane, circa 1870, ivory carved and scrimshaw grip of an eagle head and neck on a whalebone shaft carved with rope twist tapering to a reverse twist.
Length 30 in. -
Lady’s Walking Stick & Whale Ivory, Whalebone, Mother-of-Pearl, Abalone, Tortoiseshell and Baleen Walking Stick
SOLD FOR $9,600
Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Lady’s Walking Stick, circa 1850, the upper third comprised of four carved ivory sections, the grip a Turk’s turban above a crosshatched section, above a section of five openwork twisted columns above a twist section, all spaced with blonde baleen rings with silver diamond, the bone shaft reeded and twisted rope to a smooth, ending in a 2 inch ivory ferrule with ball tip.
Length 33 ¾ in.SOLD FOR $33,000
Fine Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory, Whalebone, Mother-of-Pearl, Abalone, Tortoiseshell and Baleen Walking Stick, circa 1840, polyhedron ivory grip with tortoiseshell inlaid squares, dots, circles and heart, three baleen spacers on a well inlaid bone shaft of geometric shapes, dots, lattice and swags, ending in a graduating turned taper.
Length 33 in. -
Whaleman Carved Walrus Ivory and Abalone Competition Seven-Wheel Pie Crimper
SOLD FOR $10,800
Whaleman Carved Walrus Ivory and Abalone Competition Seven-Wheel Pie Crimper, circa 1870, the handle inlaid with abalone diamonds and dots on each side with sawtooth carved edge and applied fork, one end with two zigzag wheels: one small solid and one with open heart spokes riveted to stylized bird yokes; the opposite side with four small zigzag wheels and crosshatch carved yokes and a larger open heart spoke zigzag wheel. Length 8 ¼ in. -
Whaleman Carved and Pierced Whalebone Knitting Basket, circa 1860
SOLD FOR $18,000
Whaleman Carved and Pierced Whalebone Knitting Basket, circa 1860, oval form comprised of 28 pierced and shaped staves flaring out and up supported by half-round upper band and lower scalloped band, tacked to a conforming pine bottom.
Height 4 ¾ in. Length 9 ½ in. Width 7 ½ in. -
Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Presentation Walking Stick & Whale Ivory and Whalebone Pointer
SOLD FOR $7,200
Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Presentation Walking Stick, circa 1850, very finely scribed whale ivory knob with 20 concentric circles, with a silver gilt collar on a paneled and turned tapering shaft inscribed, “Presented to John Dunham By Captain G. H. Kempton.”
Length 33 ¼ in.Note: G. H. Kempton is recorded as Master of the ship Orphan, sailing between New York and Le Havre, France (1856) and of the bark Clyde, between New York and Mobile Alabama (1851). Source: Carl Cutler, The Story of America’s Mail and Passenger Sailing Lines, Annapolis, MD, US Naval Institute, 1961.
SOLD FOR $1,200
Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Pointer, 19th century, the tapering whalebone shaft with spiraling worm-line carving, baleen spacers, ivory tip and ring-collared whale ivory bulbous grip.
Length 22 in. -
Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory, Whalebone and Wood Walking Sticks
SOLD FOR $5,400
Fine Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Wood Clenched Fist with Serpent Walking Stick, circa 1860, right hand grasping the head of a serpent as it is coiled twice around the wrist with a petal shirt cuff, ebony and ivory spacers on a wood shaft, the upper section paneled with ivory and ebony panels and four ivory dots and four tortoiseshell diamonds, the lower section turned and tapering to a two inch ivory ferrule.
Length 34 ¼ in.SOLD FOR $5,400
Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory, Whalebone and Rosewood Walking Stick, circa 1860, large paneled and carved ivory grip with baleen spacers, the upper section of the shaft comprised of 13 graduating and contrasting octagonal sections of ivory and rosewood, the lower section of turned and tapering whalebone.
Length 35 in. -
Fantastic Large Size Polychrome, Stippled and Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth, circa 1840
SOLD FOR $48,000
Fantastic Large Size Polychrome, Stippled and Scrimshawed Sperm Whale Tooth, circa 1840-1860, a portside view portrait of an American bark in full sail flying colors and pennant, a mermaid with headdress, long flowing hair holding an arrow tied to a banner “Let Sailors Be Obedient When Men of Worth Command”; the reverse vertical scene of an “Inn” with twin chimneys and picket fence above an iron arbor surrounded by leaf stalks with kissing birds above the word “Love”; the tips with four decorative wraparound borders and the base with two decorative wraparound borders. This skillful engraver with his design and execution was able to minimize the slight deformity of the tooth.
Height 7 ¾ in. -
Pair of Carved Mythological Mermen (Tritons)
SOLD FOR $8,300
Pair of Carved Mythological Mermen (Tritons), Italian, late 19th century, strong carving details of merman with fish netting wrapped around their upper torso, perched on a rock formation with flowers and holding their brass trumpets securely with both hands, aromatic cedar.
Height 46 in. -
Fine Polychrome Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth by William Sizer
SOLD FOR $14,400
Fine Polychrome Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth by William Sizer (American 1801-1840), circa 1835, a three-quarter portrait of a well-dressed fashionable lady, within an oval sawtooth cameo and leaf-line secondary border; mounted on a cut and shaped silver base.
Height 6 in.Sizer was born in Chester, Massachusetts and was the grandson of a Revolutionary War captain of Franco-Azorean descent from Middletown, Connecticut. More than a dozen known teeth are attributed to Sizer. He was a crew-member of the brig Juno (1839-1840) out of New Bedford, he died at sea in 1840 and is buried in Tahiti.
Reference: Frank, Stuart M., Ingenious Contrivances, Curiously Carved, published 2012, pg. 25. -
Large Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth by the Locket Engraver
SOLD FOR $10,200
Large Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth by the Locket Engraver, circa 1840, a young girl with long curls and deep dark eyes intensely focused on her cameo necklace, the reverse depicts an off the starboard stern view of the Constitution, flying colors on the open seas with “Constitution” in script under the choppy water. Length 6 ½ in.The Locket Artisan is an anonymous hand, active in the early 1840s. Fine lines and dark pigments characterize his work.
Reference: Frank, Stuart M., Ingenious Contrivances, Curiously Carved, published 2012, pg. 89. -
Early Fine Scrimshaw Lower Panbone Pictorial Plaque
SOLD FOR $10,200
Early Fine Scrimshaw Lower Panbone Pictorial Plaque, circa 1830, whaleman executed, depicting a three-tier American gun ship anchored off a headland with fortress, an unexecuted information plaque on the upper left (a place for the recipient, giver, port-of-call, ship, etc.), lower vignette of two American barks portside views in full sail, all encompassed in diamond and arc borders; strong ink contrast. 7 ¼ in. x 7 ½ in.Literature: Flayderman, E. Norman, Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders – Whales and Whalemen, New Milford, Connecticut, Published 1972, pp. 217.
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Fine Nantucket Whaleman Made Whale Ivory and Whalebone Swift
SOLD FOR $5,400
Fine Nantucket Whaleman Made Whale Ivory and Whalebone Swift, circa 1860, the ivory finial cup, standard, support clamp and base scribed and polychromed in red, green and black. Supported on a large finely rendered clenched fist table clamp with an abalone diamond inlay. The single 8 inch whalebone cage extending from a whale ivory support sliding on a partial whale ivory and whalebone shaft.
Height 16 in. -
Wendell Macy Oil on Artist Board “Offshore Rescue”
SOLD FOR $13,200
Wendell Macy (Nantucket 1845-1913) Oil on Artist Board “Offshore Rescue,” depicting a barque foundering offshore as a schooner and dory hasten to the rescue, signed and dated lower right, Wendell Macy, 1897, in a one inch molded wood frame.
6 ½ in. x 10 in. -
Very Fine British Sailor’s Woolwork, circa 1868
SOLD FOR $19,200
Very Fine British Sailor’s Woolwork, circa 1868, large sailor made presentation or wedding gift depicting an anchored Man-O-War flying colors with 112 sailors on yardarms in blue and white dress with two officers on deck, two transport launches alongside, flanked by four cameos of ships in full sail, one flying the Union Jack, two flying the white ensign of the Colonies and one flying the ensign of the Royal Navy, center bottom adorned by a British crest with letters “JB 1868 AH,” all surrounded by a full foliate border of grape clusters, roses and acorn branches, triple matted and framed.
22 ½ in. x 30 ½ in.Note: A ship dressed with flags and pennants generally announces a special occasion such as the visit of a dignitary.
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Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Walking Sticks
SOLD FOR $6,600
Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Walking Stick, circa 1850, carved ivory clenched fist with scrimshawed shirt line, three tropical wood and two ivory spacers on a tapering worm-line rope whalebone shaft, ending in a metal ferrule.
Length 37 ½ in.SOLD FOR $6,000
Whaleman Carved All Whalebone Walking Stick, circa 1850, octagonal carved knob grip on a conforming band and section, metal collar above five scribe rings, with a rope twisted section flanked by two thirteen-paneled rings and wafers, over an octagonal shaft tapering to smooth, ending in a metal ferrule.
Length 33 ¾ in. -
Rare Whaleman Carved and Painted Whale Ivory and Whalebone Walking Stick
SOLD FOR $8,400
Rare Whaleman Carved and Painted Whale Ivory and Whalebone Walking Stick, circa 1850, carved whale ivory spotted serpent coiling downward on itself, on a barber pole painted tapering whalebone shaft, ending in a copper ferrule.
Length 34 ½ in. -
Extraordinary Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Walking Stick
SOLD FOR $56,400
Extraordinary Whaleman Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Walking Stick, circa 1840, finely carved ivory hand grasping a stippled snake about to strike with cut copper fangs, leather eyes, red polychrome mouth wrapped around the wrist and forearm, baleen spacer, on an octagonal paneled tapering to smooth whalebone shaft.
Length 34 ¼ in. -
Fine Pair of Scrimshaw Whale’s Teeth, 3rd Quarter of the 19th Century
SOLD FOR $10,800
Fine Pair of Scrimshaw Whale’s Teeth, 3rd quarter of the 19th century, engraved and inked with images evoking a narrative of joy and sadness commingled, a handsome young couple on their wedding day, an open bible, a mother and child and an urn flanked by weeping cherubs beneath a willow.
Height 5 in. -
British Sailor’s Woolwork, 19th Century
SOLD FOR $6,000
British Sailor’s Woolwork, 19th century, the woolie depicts two British frigates off a headland with stone fortress and brick houses, one warship anchored with sails tied and flying colors, the other departing under full sail, the polychrome wool yarn retain good color, with gilt slip in bird’s eye maple frame.
14 ¾ in. x 25 ¾ in.
Overall 18 ½ in. x 20 ½ in. -
Nantucket Whalebone, Whale Ivory and Wood Swift, circa 1850
SOLD FOR $18,000
Nantucket Whalebone, Whale Ivory and Wood Swift, circa 1850, from the famed Carpenter collection; multi-turned upper section with red scribe wax lines on a whalebone shaft and a matching turned ivory adjustment slide and knob, on a two-tiered shaped round ebony and mahogany base, supported by 12 turned ivory posts and feet, the central shaft protruding through both wood disks and secured by a hand carved whalebone thumb twist nut. The cage is constructed of 144 whalebone ribs.
Height 22 ¾ in. Diamter of base 7 in.Provenance: Mary Grace & Charles H. Carpenter Collection
Hyland Granby Antiques to Present OwnerLiterature: Carpenter, Jr., Chares H. and Mary Grace Carpenter, “The Decorative Arts and Crafts of Nantucket, New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1987, Pl. 1 facing page 115
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Pair of Miniature British Sailor’s Woolworks & Mother of Pearl English Tea Caddy
SOLD FOR $19,200
Pair of Miniature British Sailor’s Woolworks, circa 1870, depicting two British square-rigged ships on the open seas with cloudy skies, in original and decorated frames, Bergdorf Goodman paper labels on reverse.
5 ½ in. x 7 ½ in.SOLD FOR $1,920
Late Regency Mother-of-Pearl Tea Caddy, early 19th Century, bow fronted with hinged cover opening to two lidded compartments, contrasting abalone inlays on bun feet.
Height 5 in. Length 8 in. Width 5 in. -
Whale Ivory and Whalebone Clenched Fist Walking Stick, circa 1850
SOLD FOR $21,600
Whale Ivory and Whalebone Clenched Fist Walking Stick, circa 1850, the top ⅓ of the stick carved in four sections of whale ivory, the grip of a right hand clench fist with incised fingernails and buttoned shirt cuff, elongated diamond section above very finely carved cross hatching, above a zigzag reeded section. All the sections defined by octagonal baleen spacers within faceted band and thin rings, the lower portion of the tapering whalebone shaft carved with a triple line coiled around an octagonal section above a finely carved rope section above a round tapering section.
Length 42 ¼ in.Provenance: Hyland Granby Antiques to Private Collector
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American Wood and Scrimshaw Whalebone Cutlery Box With Drawer
SOLD FOR $6,000
American Wood and Scrimshaw Whalebone Cutlery Box With Drawer, circa 1870, the central divider with three finger rolls flanked by hearts, the tray box decorated with scrimshawed whalebone inserted edge panels and side case arrows, the whalebone scrimshawed and cockbeaded drawer with turned whale ivory knob.
Height 6 ½ in. Length 13 ½ in. Depth 7 ¾ in. -
Whale Ivory and Whalebone Figural Walking Stick, circa 1870
SOLD FOR $19,200
Whale Ivory and Whalebone Figural Walking Stick, circa 1870, carved ivory sailor grip, with hat, long hair, sideburns, in shoe dress, leaning on a tree stump holding his pipe, on a round tapering whalebone and ivory shaft with four baleen spacers.
Length 36 in. -
19th Century Whalebone, Whale Ivory and Baleen Canes and Walking Stick
SOLD FOR $6,600
19th Century Whalebone, Whale Ivory, Baleen and Silver Cane, circa 1860-1880, ivory carved eagle head with silver and baleen eyes, baleen spacer with ivory C-shaped grip on a tapering whalebone shaft. Length 34 ½ in.SOLD FOR $3,600
19th Century Whalebone, Whale Ivory and South Sea Island Wood Serpent Walking Stick, circa 1850, the whale ivory grip is in the form of a looped serpent with inlaid ebony eyes, seven alternating spacers of South Sea island wood and whale ivory followed by a tapered whalebone shaft. Length 33 ¾ in.Provenance: Hyland Granby Antiques to Private Collector
SOLD FOR $1,800
19th Century Whalebone Whale Ivory and Baleen Snake Cane, circa 1860, an ivory serpentine L-shaped snake grip above an ivory section flanked by baleen spacers, on a turned whalebone shaft. Length 33 ¼ in. -
Polychrome Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth by the Britannia Engraver (1816-1830)
SOLD FOR $46,200
Polychrome Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth by the Britannia Engraver (1816-1830)
of The Ship “Elizabeth of London,” deeply carved, engraved and inked with red polychrome highlights, the obverse depicts a very active whaling scene with seven whales, one with attached waif, manned whaleboats and a capsized whaleboat. Inscribed beneath in scrip “Elizabeth of London”; the reverse with the same starboard broadside view of a full-rigged ship underway, under plain sail flying a British merchant ensign and “cutting-in” a sperm whale. The tip with foliate wreaths, the base with double lines and dots.
Length 6 in. Width at Base 2 in. -
Timothy H. Thompson Oil on Canvas “America Wins”
SOLD FOR $42,000
Timothy H. Thompson (English b.1951) “America Wins,” oil on canvas, depicting the yacht America of the New York Yacht Club winning the race around the Isle of Wight on August 22nd 1851. America defeated the entire British fleet and the trophy she won, the £100 Ewer, became known as the America’s Cup. Depicted in the background the royal steam yacht Victoria and Albert carrying the royal family on a return trip from an Allum Bay excursion before Egypt Point on the northernmost tip of the Isle of Wight, signed lower left Thompson, in giltwood frame.
30 in. x 40 in.Born in Hull, England in 1951, contemporary British historical marine painter Timothy H. Thompson has been painting for nearly forty years. His paintings focus on marine settings, particularly battle scenes and boats that span the centuries from fighting ships of Drake and Nelson’s eras to the epic journeys of clipper ships. Since the 1980’s a great deal of Thompson’s work has been directed toward painting private commissions of modern racing vessels. He has co-authored two books, The Paintings of the America Cup and The Story of Yachting, and has exhibited his work throughout the United States as well as England, France, Italy Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco and Australia. His work is popular in the market for contemporary marine painting.
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Sailor Made Nantucket Pierced Panbone Swing Handle Oval Basket
SOLD FOR $22,800
Sailor Made Nantucket Pierced Panbone Swing Handle Oval Basket, circa 1840, cherry bottom wrapped with panbone having interlocking circles with arches and spikes, handle attached with a rivet, a fine example of 19th C. Scrimshaw
Height 2 ¼ in. Length 6 ½ in Width 4 ¾ in.A similar basket by the same hand and similar size sold at Rafael Osona’s Auctions on August 1, 2009, lot 98.
Provenance: The Estate of Georgia P. Gosnell, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, Sold Rafael Osona Auctions August 1, 2015; Private Collector
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Sailor Made Scrimshaw Panbone Oval Inlaid Ditty Box
SOLD FOR $10,800
Sailor Made Scrimshaw Panbone Oval Inlaid Ditty Box, circa 1830, the lid inlaid with rosewood star within an ivory and wood wreath and wrapped in panbone, the base wrapped with a single piece of panbone and joined with 3 finger laps.
Height 3 in. Length 8 ¼ in. Width 6 in.Provenance: The Estate of Georgia P. Gosnell, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, Sold Rafael Osona Auctions August 1, 2015; Private Collector
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19th C. American Sailor Scrimshaw Panbone Section Plaque
SOLD FOR $5,400
19th C. American Sailor Scrimshaw Panbone Section Plaque, circa 1840, a two-tier pictorial of two fully rigged ships on the open sea above a large portrait of a similar merchant ship approaching l and within a faint double line border. mounted in a custom reeded frame with gilt stars in each corner.
6 in. x 7 ½ in. -
19th C. American Sailor Scrimshaw Whale Tooth
SOLD FOR $7,200
19th C. American Sailor Scrimshaw Whale Tooth, circa 1840, engraved throughout with an American fully rigged ship above the seal of the United States and an eagle holding a “Liberty ~ Constitution” banner in its beak, above a gentleman’s portrait flanked by cornucopias and American flags; the verso with a single leaf flower above a whaler cutting in and two whalers, whale and two whaleboats on the water. Sawtooth borders at the base of the tooth; Between the scenes is a sailing ship with her stunsail set sailing toward the viewer above a spouting sperm whale, the outer tooth’s edge with a foliate vine.
Height 5 ½ in. -
Highly Important and Desirable Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth, attributed to T. L. Albro
SOLD FOR $102,000
Highly Important and Desirable Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth, circa 1838, attributed to the master scrimshander T. L. Albro. Deeply engraved one one side with at detailed whale ship cutting in with a whale alongside, whalemen on deck and on crow’s next exclaiming “there she blows,” interrupting the phrase “View of Cutting a Sperm Whale” — “A Whale Spout” above the horizon with spout on waterline. To the left of the stern is a mountain range and ships in the distance. Above is engraved “Eoua Isl.,” and latitude and longitude and a sun with a face. The reverse engraved with a ship in full sail and a figure in the crow’s nest. The phrase “View of a Sperm Whale just harpooned – Ship John Coggeshall of Newport, RI” above an active whaling scene of whale and three long boats, a spout on the horizon. On the bottom edge of the tooth between the scenes is a fine full portrait of a sperm whale with a double fluke harpoon and the phrase, “A Large Sperm Whale Will Make 100lbs Oil.”
Length 7 ¾ in. -
19th Century Sailor Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Walking Sticks
SOLD FOR $10,200
Sailor Carved Whale Ivory Fist Walking Stick, 19th century, a massive detailed carved fist atop a hardwood shaft inlaid with alternating whale ivory and baleen triangles at the collar, and two abalone dot inlays below.
Length 41 ¼ in.Provenance: The Howland Family of New Bedford
SOLD FOR $7,200
Sailor Carved Whale Ivory and Whalebone Architectural Walking Stick, mid 19th century, octagonal shaped grip with red sealing wax circular inlay at the top, the shaft carved of a single piece of whalebone.
Length 37 ¾ in.Provenance: The Howland Family of New Bedford
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Alan J. Eddy “Opera Cup Race, 2013” Oil on Canvas
SOLD FOR $7,800
Alan J. Eddy (Massachusetts b. 1940) “Opera Cup Race, 2013”, oil on canvas depicting seven yachts sailing in Nantucket Sound on deep blue waters, signed, in gilt frame. 24 in. x 48 in.
Note: Eddy is a Boston native who studied at the Vesper George School of Art. Inspired by his love of the sea, his work is represented in private and corporate collections including Sears and Roebuck, Fleet Bank of Boston and the Boston Harbor Hotel.
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Ralph Eugene Cahoon, Jr. and Bernard A. Woodman Sailor’s Valentine
SOLD FOR $10,800
Ralph Eugene Cahoon, Jr. (American 1910-1982) and Bernard A. Woodman Sailor’s Valentine, a Ralph Cahoon central oil painting depicting an American ship and hot air balloon with applied faux ivory sperm whale, signed lower right, shell-work by B.A. Woodman #118.
Diameter of painting 6 in. Overall Diameter 14 in. -
Two 19th Century Sailor Scrimshaw Whalebone Corset Busks
SOLD FOR $480
Sailor Scrimshaw Whalebone Corset Busk, mid 19th Century, inscribed and inked in black with geometric motifs and jardinière issuing blossoming vine centering script initials “B.K.W.” Length 14 ½ in.
Provenance: Ex-E. Ham Collection, Nantucket
Sam Sylvia, Nantucket, MAThe Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Ivory Pie Crimper Handle of Dove Form
SOLD FOR $3,960
Ivory Pie Crimper Handle of Dove Form, 19th century, elegantly stylized emblem of love, with brass rivets, lacks jagging wheel.
Length 5 ½ in. -
19th Century Carved and Turned Whalebone and Satinwood Clock Stand,
SOLD FOR $2,400
Carved and Turned Whalebone and Satinwood Clock Stand, 19th century, rectangular with scalloped apron on turned legs.
Height 3 in. Length 14 ¼ in. Width 7 ¼ in.Provenance: Rafael Osona Auctions, Nantucket, MA 14 August 1993 Lot 46
Ex-Barbara Johnson Collection
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th Century Scrimshaw Collection -
Extremely Rare and Fine 19th Century “Map Tooth” Sailor Scrimshaw Whale Tooth
SOLD FOR $48,000
Extremely Rare and Fine “Map Tooth” Sailor Scrimshaw Whale Tooth, American, mid 19th century, delicately incised in exquisite detail with map and chart of New Bedford Harbor, Buzzards Bay and the Elizabeth Islands, depicted center is a whaling ship’s return to port, showing its plotted course verso with an action filled whaling scene, a ship and four boats (one stove) hunt amidst a pod of whales spewing red-inked blood.
Length 7 ½ in.Provenance: Nina Hellman, Nantucket, MA
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th Century Scrimshaw CollectionLiterature: Illustrated p. 2 and 60 of : E. Norman Flayderman, Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders, New Milford, CT, 1972.
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19th Century Scrimshaw Decorated Mahogany and Mother-of-Pearl Parquetry Box
SOLD FOR $1,800
Scrimshaw Decorated Mahogany and Mother-of-Pearl Parquetry Box, 19th century, rectangular with hinged top, inlaid with baleen, whalebone and abalone motifs and stringing overall, the front centered by a scrimshanded whale ivory plaquette engraved and inked in red and black with “Triumph of Love”. Height 4 ¾ in. Length 12 in. Width 8 ¼ in.
Provenance: Rafael Osona Auctions, Nantucket, MA 19 August 1995 Lot 69
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th Century Scrimshaw Collection -
Rare 19th Century Nantucket Whale Ivory and Whalebone Swift
SOLD FOR $2,400
Rare Nantucket Whale Ivory and Whalebone Swift, mid 19th century, ribbon tied ivory staves on turned ivory standard with cup finial, whalebone shaft and ivory clamp with two screw peg fasteners, mounted to a modern rosewood stand. Overall Height 12 in. Diameter of Base 5 in.
Provenance: The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Walrus Ivory Pie Crimper
SOLD FOR $2,500
Walrus Ivory Pie Crimper, 19th century, with tortoiseshell inlaid handle, three-tine fork and five baleen spacers.
Length 8 in.Provenance: Paul Madden, Sandwich, MA
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Whale Ivory Pie Crimper
SOLD FOR $3,900
Whale Ivory Pie Crimper, 19th century, fluted shaft, stepped square wheel mount and terminal with abalone inlaid dot, delicate wheel. Length 6 in.
Provenance: Nina Hellman, Nantucket, MA
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Architectural Whale Ivory Pie Crimper
SOLD FOR $7,200
Architectural Whale Ivory Pie Crimper, 19th century, polyhedron terminal with abalone inlay and pivoting ring handle.
Length 6 ¾ in.Provenance: Rafael Osona Auctions, Nantucket, MA 7 August 1999, Lot 275
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Whale Ivory Pie Crimper
SOLD FOR $600
Whale Ivory Pie Crimper, 19th century, crown terminal, half round handle pierced with two hearts and a lozenge.
Length 6 ½ in.Provenance: Rafael Osona Auctions, Nantucket, MA 16 August 1997, Lot 19
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Fist and Cuff and Grasping Hand Whale Ivory and Whalebone Canes
SOLD FOR $3,120
Fist and Cuff Whale Ivory and Rosewood Cane, 19th century, carved ivory finial, baleen separator, octagonal tapering upper shaft with alternate ivory and rosewood sections, transitioning into a circular rosewood lower shaft, with ivory tip.
Length 36 ¼ in.
Provenance: Rafael Osona Auction, Nantucket, MA 07 August 1993SOLD FOR $1,200
Grasping Hand Whale Ivory and Whalebone Cane, 19th century, rivet fastened knob carved as a right hand gripping a baton detailed with a five pointed and six pointed star at opposite ends, tapered octagonal upper shaft with three baleen separators and a plaited baleen collar, whalebone shaft tapers to round, lacks metal tip.
Length 32 ¾ in.
Provenance: Sotheby’s New York 17 June 2004Both Canes from the Carol and Stephen Memishian 19th C. Scrimshaw Collection
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19th Century Sailor Made Miniature Chest of Drawers
SOLD FOR $9,000
Sailor Made Miniature Chest of Drawers, 2nd half of the 19th century, fashioned of Hawaiian Koa wood, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and fitted with whale ivory knob pulls and bun feet, in two sections, the two drawer case with scrolled crest is detachable.
Height 17 in. Width 11 ¾ in. Depth 8 in.
Provenance: Rafael Osona Auctions, August 6th 1994, Lot 171 -
19th Century Inuit Carved Walrus Ivory Shaman Chain
SOLD FOR $3,300
Inuit Carved Walrus Ivory Shaman Chain, Northwest Alaska, mid to late 19th century, comprising 32 links, the first carved to resemble a whale’s head and the last a tail, all carved from a single walrus tusk, on contemporary stand.
Length 32 in.
Note: Chains like this were used as charms by native Alaskan whalers and were often seen attached to baleen cups made to give whales their first drink of water after being caught, a common ritual practice in the coastal Alaskan areas which relied heavily on whaling. -
Pair of Mid-19th Century “Banknote Engraver” Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Teeth
SOLD FOR $48,000
Pair of Mid-19th Century “Banknote Engraver” Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Teeth, incised and inked recto with framed oval reserves of lovely young women, verso with harbor scenes, one depicting two three-masted ships anchored before a town, the other shows an American ship entering a foreign port, the national flags inked in blue and red.
Length 6 ¾ in.Provenance:
Nina Hellman, Nantucket, MAThe Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Whalebone and Pinewood Rope Twister
SOLD FOR $4,800
Whalebone and Pinewood Rope Twister, 19th century.
Height 26 in. (including modern display base) Length 19 in. Diameter 12 ½ in.“Individual strands were affixed to the whalebone rods after which the crank was turned and the individual strands were twisted into a single length of rope.”
Source: E. Norman Flayderman, Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders, New Milford, CT, 1972.Literature:
Illustrated pgs 47 and 125
E. Norman Flayderman, Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders, New Milford, CT, 1972Exhibited:
American Museum of Folk Art, New York
“Hunt for the Whale, 1967
Mystic Seaport, 1978Provenance:
Barbara Johnson Collection
Rafael Osona’s Barbara Johnson Sale
August 14, 1993 Lot 155
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
Rare 19th Century Nantucket Pierced Whalebone Swing Handled Oval Knitting Basket
SOLD FOR $6,600
Rare Nantucket Pierced Whalebone Swing Handled Oval Knitting Basket, mid 19th century, formed of a single piece of panbone with riveted joinings, handle inscribed with initials “MTL”, exotic hardwood floor.
Height 6 ¾ in. (including handle) Length 7 ¼ in. Width 5 in.
Literature:
Illustrated p. 143 Martha Lawrence “Scrimshaw, The Whaler’s Legacy”, Schiffer, 1993Provenance:
Paul Madden, Sandwich, Massachusetts
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
“Banknote Engraver” Scrimshaw Whale Tooth
SOLD FOR $6,600
“Banknote Engraver” Scrimshaw Whale Tooth, circa 1840, large broad tooth, recto with a portrait of a pensive lady seated at a table with an open book wearing a formal dress with puffed sleeves, curly hair and a pair of bracelets, within an elaborate oval geometric frame, an engraved foliate garland encircles the tooth’s tip, a geometric and foliate engraving encircles the base, verso with a simple floral bouquet.
Height 6 ½ in. -
19th Century Sailor Scrimshaw Polychrome Sperm Whale Tooth
SOLD FOR $4,500
19th Century Sailor Scrimshaw Polychrome Sperm Whale Tooth, circa 1830-1850, French war ship with cannons at the lighthouse, the verso with sailor pointing and holding a saber by an American Flag standing on a castellated rampart.
Height 7 ¾ in.Provenance: Rafael Osona Auctions, 1997, Lot 408
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Sailor’s Folk Art Toy Whalebone Mounted Wheelbarrow, mid 19th Century
SOLD FOR $5,400
Sailor’s Folk Art Toy Whalebone Mounted Wheelbarrow, mid 19th century, shaped oak box on frame with carved whalebone braces, cleats, and ferrules, iron bound wheel with mahogany spokes inserting into turned whalebone hub, brass axles held by whalebone sockets.
Height 9 ¼ in. Length 31 in. Width 14 ½ in.Exhibitions: Smithsonian Institute,
Mystic Seaport MuseumProvenance:
Barbara Johnson Collection,
Sotheby’s September 25, 1982
Catalog lot 533Rafael Osona Auctions August 7, 1999
Catalog lot 144The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
Whalebone Inlaid Rosewood Cutlery Box
SOLD FOR $3,600
Whalebone Inlaid Rosewood Cutlery Box, 19th century, of rectangular form with carrying handle flanked by two hinged covers, inlaid with eating utensils and opening over a tapered case.
Height 17 ¾ in. Length 15 in. Width 10 ¼ in.Provenance:
Rafael Osona Auctions
August 19, 1995, Lot 75The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Carved Whalebone Blocks
SOLD FOR $3,600
19th Century Carved Whalebone Single Pulley Block, with spliced rope strap, turned wood eye and copper rivets.
Block Length 6 ¾ in.
Overall Length 10 ½ in.
Provenance: Rafael Osona Auctions, 06 August 1994SOLD FOR $1,440
Two 19th Century Carved Whalebone Blocks, one single and one double pulley, with copper rivets and rope straps.
Block Length 2 ¾ in. and 3 in.
Overall Length 4 ½ in.Provenance: Robert Eldreds Auction, 30 July 1992
Both Lots from The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Whale Ivory and Whalebone Swift
SOLD FOR $1,440
19th Century Whale Ivory and Whalebone Swift, turned and scribed cup, pan and ring above a single bone cage on a bone shaft. The clenched fist clamp carved from a single whale’s tooth, the support ring and screw knob with red scribe lines.
Overall Length 17 in. Length of Staves 10 in.Provenance:
Sam Sylvia, Nantucket, MAThe Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Nantucket Whale Ivory and Whalebone Swift
SOLD FOR $4,800
19th Century Nantucket Whale Ivory and Whalebone Swift, turned spire top cup finial above a single bone cage with ivory and bone shaft supported on a multi-turned and polychromed ivory section and clamp.
Overall Length 20 ¾ in. Length of Staves 8 ¼ in.Provenance:
Paul Madden, Sandwich, MAThe Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
Large Fine “Fanny Campbell” Scrimshaw Whale Tooth
SOLD FOR $18,000
Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth Depicting “Fanny Campbell The Female Pirate Captain“, American, 19th century, Engraved and inked in polychrome, the celebrated corsair is portrayed in plumed hat, waisted coat over pantaloons, two pistols in her belt, a cutlass in her right hand and a skull & crossbones flag in her left, the verso depicts an American frigate, all further embellished with leafy branches above and below.
Height 8 ½ in.
Note: The image of Fanny Campbell is based on the cover illustration of the book of the same name, published Boston, 1845, a boxed copy of “Fanny Campbell, The Female Pirate Captain” accompanies this lot.Provenance:
Nina Hellman, Nantucket, MAThe Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Sailor Made Whale Ivory and Baleen “Garden of Eden” Pie Crimper
SOLD FOR $6,600
Sailor Made Whale Ivory and Baleen “Garden of Eden” Pie Crimper, 19th century, serpent handle, star centered zigzag jagging wheel, and with the unusual addition of a pastry template intaglio carved with head on leafy stem (recto) and tulip (verso).
Length 7 ½ in. Width 4 ½ in.Note: Apparently carved from a single tooth, though interrupted by separators.
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19th Century Sailor Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth
SOLD FOR $2,400
Sailor Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth, 19th century, recto stipple engraved with a fashionable beauty beside a fountain of classical inspiration, attended by a flying dove, all below a blossoming rose, verso with an American frigate, a Federal eagle above, on a wood stand.
Length 6 ½ in.Provenance:
Nina Hellman, Nantucket, MAThe Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Sailor Scrimshaw Polychrome and Rivet Decorated Whalebone Busk
SOLD FOR $600
Sailor Scrimshaw Polychrome and Rivet Decorated Whalebone Busk, American, 19th century, engraved with a Federal eagle spread winged above initials “A. H.”, a frigate and the Boston State House, within copper rivet border and heart and star motifs, respectively, at the ends.
Length 12 ½ in. Width 2 ¼ in.Provenance:
Nina Hellman, Nantucket, MassachusettsThe Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Pair of Sailor Scrimshaw Polychrome Sperm Whale Teeth
SOLD FOR $3,900
Pair of Sailor Scrimshaw Polychrome Sperm Whale Teeth, 19th century, each engraved recto with a large bird atop a tree stump, amidst luxuriant leafy branches, her companion flies overhead, verso swan swims on placid water, flanked by overreaching slender trees, mounted together on a rectangular wood plinth.
Length 6 ¼ in. and 6 ½ in.Provenance:
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Sailor Made Walrus Ivory Pie Crimper
SOLD FOR $6,600
Sailor Made Walrus Ivory Pie Crimper, 19th century, pierce carved handle with red wax stringing, two-tine fork, Greek key edged wheel centered by a mariner’s star.
Length 10 ¼ in.Provenance:
Nina Hellman, Nantucket, MassachusettsThe Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Pair of Sailor Scrimshaw Polychrome Sperm Whale Teeth
SOLD FOR $30,000
Pair of Sailor Scrimshaw Polychrome Sperm Whale Teeth, 19th century, engraved with a French and a British frigate, respectively, each beneath a crescent moon and three mariner’s stars, on rosewood stands.
Length 4 ½ in. and 4 ¼ in.Provenance:
Paul Madden, Sandwich, Massachusetts
Barbara Johnson (Vol. IV, lot 106, 16 Dec. 1983)
Purported found on Martha’s VineyardThe Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw CollectionExhibited:
Smithsonian Institution
U.S. Capitol Building -
Exceedingly Rare and Sophisticated 19th Century Polychrome Scrimshaw Walrus Ivory and Baleen Busk
SOLD FOR $51,000
Exceedingly Rare and Sophisticated Polychrome Scrimshaw Walrus Ivory and Baleen Busk, mid 19th century, finely executed by a highly skilled artisan, the double arched top scribed with amatory motifs (torch, bow and arrows, billing doves) and conjoined hearts inlay of baleen above four engraved pictorial registers depicting a British warship between two fashionable beauties and flower filled urn, engraved overall with stylized floral garlands. The baleen verso engraved with five registers, viz., a fashionable beauty centering depictions of warships and flower filled urns.
Length 14 ½ in. Width 1 ¾ in.Provenance:
Skinner, Bolton, MA 06 February, 1994 Lot 56The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Nantucket Caldwell Family Whalebone and Whale Ivory Swift
SOLD FOR $4,800
Nantucket Caldwell Family Whalebone and Whale Ivory Swift, mid 19th century, turned and scribed steeple top carved of a single tooth above a ruffle, tortoise diamond collar, multi-piece ivory shaft with baleen and tortoiseshell inlays, two further tortoiseshell diamond collars, an unusual whale ivory clamp of double stylized fluke form with tortoiseshell inlay and polyhedron screw, and terminating in a turned grip. The double whalebone cage with multi-color silk ribbon ties, copper rivets and with parallel scribe lines.
Overall Length 25 in. Length of Staves 10 in.Provenance: Sam Sylvia, Nantucket
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
19th Century Highly Impressive Elaborate and Heroic Sailor Made Watch Tower
SOLD FOR $9,600
Highly Impressive Elaborate and Heroic Sailor Made Watch Tower, late 19th/early 20th century, in the form of a tall case clock constructed of wood and whalebone with three whale ivory drawer pulls. Hardwood case on turned bone feet embellished with bone framed panels having 18 5-point bone stars, 40 turned and scribed finials in upright and drop positions, 20 turned and scribed baluster bone columns, circular pierced bone gallery, arched bone 16 panel window, three dovetailed drawers – one with scrimshanded Roman numeral clock dial face, 12 linear feet of ¼ round carved and turned whalebone mouldings throughout.
Height 35 ½ in. Width 11 in. Depth 6 ¼ in.Provenance:
Sotheby’s New York, Fine Americana Auction
January 28, 1994 Lot 910
The Carol and Stephen Memishian
19th C. Scrimshaw Collection -
Anthony Thieme Oil on Canvas “Twin Boats”
Anthony Thieme (1888-1953) Oil on Canvas “Twin Boats”, signed lower left A Thieme.
30 in. x 36 in.Sold for $8,050.00
Thieme was born in Rotterdamn, Holland in 1888. He studied art at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in The Hauge, as well as in Italy and in Germany. During the 1920’s he emigrated to the US, settling first in New York City where he painted Broadway backdrops, then in Boston and finally in Rockport, MA and St. Augustine, FL, moving seasonally between the two coastal communities. Thieme is best known for his works depicting boats, fishermen and harbors, as well as his landscapes, farms and scenes of Paris, favoring painting en plein air as it allowed him to better capture the atmosphere’s ever changing effects. He has been referred to as the “Master of Light and Shadow.”
As a strong proponent of the arts, Thieme held memberships to a great number of arts associations including the Art Allience of American, The Salmagundi Club, The Boston Art Club, The Boston Society of Artists and The National Arts Club among many others. He was also the founder of his own school, The Thieme School of Art in Rockport, MA.
Thieme’s Work is held in high regard, the recipient of numerous awards and exhibited in many museums and galleries around the United States and Europe. He is represented in the collections of the Boston Museum of Fine Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Albany Institute of History and Art, The Dayton Art Institute, The Museum of Modern Art, The Los Angeles Museum of History & Art, as well as in museums in London and Brussels.
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Tim Thompson Oil on Canvas “On the Hudson River”
Tim Thompson Oil on Canvas
“On the Hudson River”,
signed lower left.
12 in. x 16 in.Sold for $7,475.00
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Richard K. Loud Fine Art Oil on Linen “Catboats Sailing in Gloucester Harbor”
Richard K. Loud (Massachusetts b.1942) Fine Art Oil on Linen “Catboats Sailing in Gloucester Harbor”, signed lower right Loud, in custom gold leaf frame.
16 in. x 20 in.Sold for $9,520.00
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Hand Colored Map of Nantucket by I.F.W. Des Barres,
Hand Colored Map of Nantucket by I.F.W. Des Barres, published by an act of Parliament in 1781 from the folio “Atlantic Neptune”, fine condition and colored at the time of printing.
29 ½ in. x 42 in.Sold For $53,550.00
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Thomas Willis (1850-1925) Fine Art “Portrait of the Steam-Sail Yacht Eleanor”
Thomas Willis (1850-1925) Fine Art “Portrait of the Steam-Sail Yacht Eleanor”
silk embroidery on painted canvas, signed lower right T. Willis, N.Y. Jan. 1900,
original label on reverse “46 Stuyvesant Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y.”
42 in. x 26 in.Sold for $10,710.00
Provenance: The Nantucket Estate of Georgia P. Gosnell
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Fine Art Portrait of Commodore Edward Preble (1761-1807)
Fine Art Oil on Canvas Portrait of Commodore Edward Preble (1761-1807), early 19th Century, depicting Preble sitting before a window with a view of Mt. Vesuvius and the USS Constitution in the distance.
43 ½ in. x 35 in.Sold for $29,750.00
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James E. Buttersworth Fine Art Oil on Wood Panel “Yacht Race Boston Harbor, 1865-1880”
James E. Buttersworth (1817-1894) “Yacht Race Boston Harbor, 1865-1880”, fine art oil on wood panel views of the State House dome on Beacon Hill, Boston Light and Bunker Hill Monument and Fort Independence, signed lower right J.E. Buttersworth. 6 ¼ in. x 12 ¼ in.
Sold for $10,710.00
Boston was one of Buttersworth’s favorite settings.
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Thomas Brooks Fine Art Oil on Canvas “Portrait of a Young Lady and the Sea”
Thomas Brooks (British 1818-1891) “Portrait of a Young Lady and the Sea”, circa 1862, fine art oil on canvas depicting a young woman searching the rough seas, initialed and dated lower left “T.B. 1862” with label on reverse “14 Exchange Street, Manchester”. 20 ¼ in. x 16 ¼ in.
Sold for $6,545.00
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Ship’s Figurehead of a Bearded Scotsman, circa 1840
Carved and Polychromed Ship’s Figurehead, circa 1840, a waist high figure of a bearded Scotsman wearing a plumed hat, shirt with a brass buttoned jacket and belt.
Height 31 in. Width 19 in. Depth 14 in.Sold for $19,040.00
Provenance: The Nantucket Estate of Georgia P. Gosnell
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Folk Art Tradesman’s Figure of a Sailor Holding a Spyglass
Folk Art Tradesman’s Figure of a Sailor Holding a Spyglass,
the young sailor dressed in a white shirt, gray trousers, gold vest and red neck-ware, black jacket with brass buttons and a stovepipe hat.
Height 39 ¼ in.Sold for $9,520.00
Provenance: The Nantucket Estate of Georgia P. Gosnell
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Folk Art Chandlery Advertising Store Front Figure of a Young Sailor
Folk Art Carved Advertising Store Front Figure,
19th Century, a very fine carved and polychrome figure of a young sailor holding an octant. The figure was acquired in England and was possibly a store front advertising figure for one of John Cail’s instrument shops between 1825-1858 in Newcastle-on-Tyne. Height 66 in.Sold for $95,200.00
Provenance: The Nantucket Estate of Georgia P. Gosnell
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Jack L. Gray Oil on Canvas “On Browns”
Jack L. Gray (New York/Nova Scotia/Canada 1927-1981) Oil on Canvas Entitled “On Browns”,
A fine arts oil depicting salt fishing on Brown’s Bank, two fishermen in dory with Lunenburg schooner in the distance,
signed lower right Jack L. Gray
36 in. x 48 in.Sold for $47,600.00
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19th C. Sailor Made Cutlery Tray
Fine Mid 19th Century Whaler Made Cutlery Tray, multi-wood construction with 9 star inlays and ivory ring pull on lower drawer
Height 7 in. Length 11 ¾ in. Width 6 ½ in.
Sold for $3,105.00 -
Tim Thompson Oil on Canvas
Tim Thompson Oil on Canvas “Yankee Visits England, 1935”, signed lower right Thompson in gold leaf frame.
7 ½ in. x 9 ½ in.
Sold for $7,475.00 -
Tim Thompson Oil on Canvas “The Navahoe”
Tim Thompson (English b.1951) Oil on Canvas
“Navahoe, Dartmouth Regatta, 1893″, signed lower right.
20 in. x 40 in.Sold for $24,990.00
Thompson spent his childhood living on the tiny Channel Island of Herm and that is where he developed a love and respect for the sea. He created his first watercolor of the ship Queen Mary at the tender age of 6. In 1982 he met Ted Turner at a regatta in Cowes, England and Turner commissioned him to paint numerous sailing boats which brought him growing popularity and recognition. Thompson has exhibited his work in the United States, London, Paris, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, the Vasa Museum in Sweden, Monaco, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.
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Anne Packard Oil on Canvas
Sold for $3220.00 Anne Packard (Massachusetts b. 1933) Oil on Canvas
“Beached”, signed lower right A. Packard. Through her complex brushwork, Packard’s land and seascapes convey a deep awareness of nuances in light, color and composition, which heavily attribute to her reputation as one of the most renowned artist’s in the Provincetown Art Colony in Massachusetts.
20 in. x 16 in. -
Michael Keane Oil on Canvas
SOLD FOR $23,000
Michael Keane (Massachusetts 20th-21st Century) Oil on Canvas
“Afternoon Catboat Sail”, signed lower right Keane. Keane is a life long artist with a special affinity for the sea. He studied with artist Marshall W. Joyce, eventually becoming his studio partner. Additionally Keane was employed for many years by General Dynamics as a technical illustrator. An instructor of painting for Copley Society of Boston, he has taught painting for over fifteen years.
24 in. x 36 in. -
William R. Davis Oil on Canvas
Sold for $5,175.00 William R. Davis (Massachusetts b.1952) Oil on Canvas
“Yachting Race Off of Nantucket”, signed lower right William R. Davis. Davis, grew up in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. A self-taught artist he captures the serene light of a sunrise or sunset on the water. In 1987 he mounted a one artist show at the Mystic Maritime Gallery and all twenty of his works shown were sold. He has received the Mystic Maritime Gallery Award of Excellence. His art pays homage to such 19th C. artists such as James Bard, Antonio Jacobsen and Fitz Hugh Lane.
7 ½ in. x 11 ¼ in. -
Michael Keane Oil on Artist Board
Sold for $6,900.00 Michael Keane Oil (Massachusetts 20th-21st Century) on Artist Board
Study for “Ahead of the Mark”, signed lower left Keane. Keane is a life long artist with a special affinity for the sea. He studied with artist Marshall W. Joyce, eventually becoming his studio partner. Additionally Keane was employed for many years by general dynamics as a technical illustrator. An instructor of painting for the Copley Society of Boston, he has taught painting for over fifteen years.
8 in. x 12 in. -
English or French Boxwood, Baleen and Ivory Prisoner-of-War Ship Model of the “Minerve”
SOLD FOR $35,100
English or French boxwood, baleen and ivory prisoner-of-war ship model of the “Minerve”, circa 1800, finely rigged with retracting cannons, multiple exotic wood construction on multi-wood inlaid platform, in mahogany and glass case.
Model Height 17 in. Beam 7¾ in. Length 19 in. Case Height Height 30 in. Width 14 in. Length 26 in. -
18th Century Map of Nantucket
SOLD FOR $64,900
18th Century Map of Nantucket by I.F.W. des Barres, Esq. Published June 1, 1776.
29 ½ in. x 42 in. -
1836 Illustrated Whaling Journal of the Ship Golconda
SOLD FOR $ 53,820
1836 Illustrated Whaling Journal of the Ship Golconda, N.B. Wilcox (Master), out of New Bedford May 8, 1836 to the Pacific Ocean, returning with great success March 26, 1839, written by Francis Harrison. Extremely rare and most important log with seldom seen 76 ship stamps symbolizing the sighting of vessels and 320 whale stamps of not only different species, but Harrison hand carved stamps for varying size whales.
The journal is very legible and in untouched condition, as is the binding. The journal is now encased in a ¾ gilt leather clam-shell box. Journal Height 11 7/8 in. Width 8 in.; Dimensions of box: Height 13 in. Width 9 1/8 in. Depth 2 1/2 in.
There are a number of fine quality pencil drawings which leads us to believe that Harrison must have also scrimshawed pieces along the way. In sequence we find the following drawings:
• GOLCONDA. CAPE HORN. BEARING. SW
• GOLCONDA. BOUND. TO. OTAHEITE. S.I.
• GOLCONDA. BOUND. ON. A. CRUISE. Whaling
• AN. OLD. WHALING. CAPTAIN. AT. HIS. EASE. I. AFFLUENCE. 1838
(A portrait of Miss Henrietta Brown)
• Situation of the Golconda the day after being dismasted
• View of the Golconda when fitted, after being dismasted
• A VIEW UP WALL STREET. N-YORK
• The Buildings that are to be
• CANAL INLAND NAVIGATION
• Starboard of the Golconda under sail
In addition there are:
• Eleven pages of 49 whaling songs, which must have been a welcome pastime from the sailor’s day to day life threatening endeavors
• List of whales caught on the voyage and the name of the person credited along with the number of barrels taken from the whales
• List of whales lost by different boats during the voyage
• List of whales caught by each whaleboat during the voyage
• List of vessels seen in port on the voyage and the names of the harbors
• List of vessels spoken on the voyage
• Names of places touched on the voyageReference: Starbuck, Alexander, “History of the American Whale Fishery,” Secaucus, NJ: Castle Books, 1989, p.226, p.567. The Golconda left on her first whaling voyage from New Bedford May 1818 for Patagonia and returned January 10, 1819. Her final voyage left on October 15, 1859 and was altered from a ship to another rig. She was captured and burned by the Confederate ship “Florida” July 8, 1864.
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19th Century Oil on Canvas
SOLD FOR $ 2,065
19th Century Oil on Canvas “Portrait of the Ship Holkan”, Liverpool, 1888,
in Gilt Frame.
24 ¾ in. x 34 ¼ in. -
19th Century Chinese Export Oil on Canvas
SOLD FOR $7,670
19th Century Chinese Export Oil on Canvas “Portrait of a French Ship Entering Hong Kong Harbor” Inscribed lower left in the ocean “Notre Dame de Bon Port, Anne 1871”, in period Chinese Chippendale frame. 17 ½ in. x 23 in.
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1676 Map of New England and New York
SOLD FOR $ 8,260
Map of New England and New York, by John Steed, London 1676.
15 in. x 20 in. -
Lai Fong Oil on Canvas
SOLD FOR $ 7,670
Lai Fong (Flourished 1870-1910) “The British Clipper Bann in Moderate Seas, a Steam Vessel Beyond”, oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right Lai Fong Calcutta 1898.
25 ¼ in. x 34 in.Provenance: Hahn, London
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Pun Woo Oil on Canvas
SOLD FOR $ 3,540
19th Century Chinese Export Oil on Canvas “Portrait of The Ship Arrow in Hong Kong Harbor” by Pun Woo, 17 ½ in. x 23 ½ in.
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Lai Fong Oil on Canvas
SOLD FOR $ 8,850
Lai Fong (Flourished 1870-1910) 19th Century Chinese Export Oil on Canvas “Portrait of an American Ship Entering Hong Kong Harbor”, Signed Lower Right Lai Fong, in Maple Frame.
24 ¼ in. x 33 ¾ in. -
John Hall Oil on Canvas
SOLD FOR $ 10,620
John Hall “The Canadian Ship Alexander Yeats Signalling for a Pilot” Oil on Canvas, 19th Century, signed and dated lower left Hall ’76.
24 in. x 42 in.Provenance: N.R. Omell, London
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William Pierce Stubbs Oil on Canvas
William Pierce Stubbs (American, 1842-1909) “Portrait of the Four Masted Schooner O.H. Brown” Oil on canvas, signed lower left, framed. 28 in. x 46 in. Overall 38 in. x 56 in.
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Thomas Willis Silkwork on Canvas
Thomas Willis (American, 1850-1925) “Portrait of the Fishing Schooner Alberta” Silkwork on canvas, signed lower right, framed. 16 in. x 20 in. Overall 24 in. x 28 in.
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Solon Francis Montecello Badger Oil on Canvas
Solon Francis Montecello Badger (Massachusetts, 1873-1919) “Portrait of the Three Masted Schooner F.H. Odiorne Off Minot’s Light” Oil on canvas, signed lower left, in gilt frame. 22 in. x 36 in. Overall 30 in. x 43 in.
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Robert Stark Jr. Oil on Canvas
Robert Stark Jr. (American, Contemporary) “Rainbow Fleet” oil on canvas, signed lower right R. Stark. In a dot and cross gilt frame.
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Robert Stark Jr. Oil on Canvas
Robert Stark Jr. (American, Contemporary) “Out With the Rainbow” Oil on Canvas, signed lower left R. Stark. In a carved gilt rope and ebonized frame. Stark is as illuminist, painting principally in oil on canvas or panel. His work is represented in numerous private and corporate collections in the US, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, Germany, France, China and the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, N.Y.
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Pair Of G. & J. Cary’s New Terrestrial Floor Globes, Circa 1828
Raised on mahogany tripod stands with central turned baluster standard, the splayed in-swept George III legs joined by compass stretchers. “Drawn from the most recent Geographical Works, shewing (sic) the whole of the New Discoveries with the tracks of the Principal Navigators and every improvement in geography to the present time. London: London Published by G. & J. Cary, St. James St. Jan. 4th 1828.” Globes 15 in. Overall Height 40 in.
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James Hamilton (1819-1878) “On the Mersey” oil on canvas
Signed lower right, titled on the reverse “Painted for Daniel M. Devitt, Esquire, Jas. Hamilton, Philad. 1865”. 32 ½ in. x 49 ½ in. Hamilton was born in Ireland and settled in the United States at the age of fifteen, he attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He was a follower of J.M.W. Turner and became known as the “American Turner” for his vivid lighting in coastal scenes and seascapes. Hamilton gifted one of his seascape paintings titled “What Art the Wild Waves Saying” as it was inspired by Charles Dickens’ novel Dombey and Son. It was the only gift Dickens accepted during his American tour.
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K. Loud “Portrait of the Schooner Yacht America”
Oil on canvas, signed lower left R. Loud. The Yacht America once had a black hull, but was painted white in 1897. The vessel is depicted heading down Vineyard Sound, and was owned by Butler Ames of Marblehead, Massachusetts, gilt frame. 15 in. x 23 in.
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Thomas H. Willis (Connecticut 1850-1925) “Portrait of J.P. Morgan’s Yacht Corsair I”
Silk embroidery on canvas, unsigned, the Corsair built around 1882, the first of four like-named craft, visible at the top of the foremast is the burgee of the New York Yacht Club of which Morgan was Commodore from 1915 to 1922. 16 in. x 26 in.
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Michael Keane (American 20th / 21st Century) “Across the Marsh,”
Oil on canvas, signed lower right Keane, in gold leaf frame. 12 in. x 24 in.
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Michael Keane (American 20TH / 21ST CENTURY) “Americas Cup 1886, ‘Mayflower’ and ‘Galatea’”
Oil on canvas, signed lower right, in gold leaf frame. 24 in. x 40 in.
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James Edward Buttersworth (1817-1894) “Ships and Yachts Sailing Past Headland”
Oil on board, signed lower right J.E. Buttersworth, in period gilt frame. 6 in. x 12 in.
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James Edward Buttersworth (1817-1894) “Yacht Race” Oil on Panel
Signed lower right J.E. Buttersworth. 7 in. x 14 ½ in.
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“Portrait of the American Ship G.H. Lamar”, oil on canvas
Ddepicting the crew bringing in the sails as it approaches headland. Original 19th C. gilt frame. Unsigned, painted in the school of the Tudgays. 23 ½ in. x 35 ½ in. The Lamar built at Bath, Maine in 1843 and purchased by Dunham & Dimon, South Street New York for use as a London packet ship. Provenance: The painting was originally commissioned by Dunham & Dimon and descended in the family of Thomas Dunham to Stephen W. Carey, to Steven W. Carey, Jr., to Stephen W. Carey III, to the Estate’s Heirs.
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Tim Thompson (b. England 1951) “Portrait of the U.S. Corvette Ranger in Full Sail on the Open Sea”
Oil on canvas, signed lower left. 36 in. x 48 in. Thompson spent his childhood living on the tiny channel Island of Herm, and that is where he developed a love and respect for the sea. He created his first watercolor of the ship Queen Mary at the tender age of 6. In 1982 he met Ted Turner at a regatta in Cowes, England, and turner commissioned him to paint numerous sailing boats, which brought him rowing popularity and recognition. Thompson has exhibited his work in the United States, London, Paris, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, the Vasa Museum in Sweden, Monaco, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.
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Trippensee Planetarium, 19th Century
Engraved “G. Adams, Mathematical Instrument Maker – To His Majesty, Fleet Strt. London”, on an engraved mechanical brass tripod base. 24 in. x 28 in.
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19th Century Watercolor “The U.S. Frigate Constitution” and 19th Century Watercolor “His Britc. Majs. Frigate Macedonian”
19th Century Watercolor “The U.S. Frigate Constitution”, with legend: Isaac Hull Esqr. Commander Capturing his Brit. Majs. Frigate Guerriere. James R. Dacres Esqs. Commander. 21 ¾ in. x 30 ¾ in. and 19th Century Watercolor “His Britc. Majs. Frigate Macedonian”, with legend: John S. Carden Esqr, Commander; Captured by the U.S. Frigate United States Steph. Decatur Esqr. Commander. 21 ¾ in. x 30 ¾ in.
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Nautilus Shell, circa 1843
“The Great Britain Iron Steam Ship Was Launched at Bristol on the 19th July 1843 and Christened by His Royal Highness Prince Albert, Engraved with a penknife by C.H. Wood.” 6 in. x 6 ½ in.
Literature: From the Encyclopedia of Folk Art: The best known engraver of sea shells was C.H. Wood (active 1840-1865) whose finest works are nautilus shells portraying the British steamships Great Britain and Great Western, with lengthy inscriptions, produced in multiple copies in various sizes, each claiming to be an exact replica of one he presented to Queen Victorian in 1845, though there is no evidence that the Royal Family ever received one. The workmanship is so compelling that he may have influenced a generation of anonymous American amateurs. Wood sold his wares in New York. The author James Dugan reports in the Great Iron Ship (1953) that on the occasion of the Great Eastern’s maiden voyage to New York in 1860, with the ship opened to the public at quayside, an artist named Wood manned a booth where he sold sea shells engraved with the boat’s picture. Examples in museum collections include the National Maritime Museum, London, UK, South Street Seaport Museum, New York, New York, and the SS Great Britain Museum, Bristol, UK.
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Fine English Sailor Made Woolie, circa 1850
Portrait of a ship-of-the-line at anchor flying the Royal Standard which is customary when Queen Victoria was aboard – celebrating the event by dressing up with flags. Longboat alongside, signal flags and flurry of smaller boats in attendance. 23 in. x 34 ½ in.
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