Scrimshaw Market Report August 2026 - Part 2
by Andrew Jacobson
[email protected]
A note on the format. Wherever possible the description used by the vendor is supplied, followed by auction hammer price estimates and the final price, which includes the buyer’s premium. Sometimes, commentary is added by the writer. At a reader’s suggestion, a hyperlink has been added for each item to provide more and better pictures.
Remember collecting is a quality-of-life purchase. Do not spend the lunch money. Images courtesy of the vendors.
To aid their bidders, several auction houses have established their own online bidding platforms that charge a lower commission than the more familiar bidding platforms.
by Andrew Jacobson
[email protected]
A note on the format. Wherever possible the description used by the vendor is supplied, followed by auction hammer price estimates and the final price, which includes the buyer’s premium. Sometimes, commentary is added by the writer. At a reader’s suggestion, a hyperlink has been added for each item to provide more and better pictures.
Remember collecting is a quality-of-life purchase. Do not spend the lunch money. Images courtesy of the vendors.
To aid their bidders, several auction houses have established their own online bidding platforms that charge a lower commission than the more familiar bidding platforms.
August 28-30, 2026. Thomaston Place Auctions, Thomaston, Maine. Summer Splendor, Day 1
25% buyer’s premium.
25% buyer’s premium.
Lot 1283 Mid-1960s Nantucket Scrimshaw Do It Yourself Kit
In the original cardboard box with label, containing three small, unpolished whales’ teeth, with sandpaper, pumice, engraving needle and small dried out bottle of India ink, original instructions.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237278984_mid-1960-s-nantucket-scrimshaw-do-it-yourself-kit
In the original cardboard box with label, containing three small, unpolished whales’ teeth, with sandpaper, pumice, engraving needle and small dried out bottle of India ink, original instructions.
- OS: 7 x 2 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (17.8 x 6.4 x 5.7 cm.)
- Estimate: $200-$300.
- Sold: $625
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237278984_mid-1960-s-nantucket-scrimshaw-do-it-yourself-kit
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Lot 1285 Whales Tooth Scrimshaw Whaling
Double-sided one side with whaleboats attacking a whale with two ships behind, the other is a closeup of a whaleboat and crew, signed "Kathy."
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237278986_whales-tooth-scrimshawn-whaling
Commentary:
This meaningless note is posted below each piece of scrimshaw. If it is supposed to provide a fig leaf to cover the failure to comply with federal regulations, it doesn’t.
CITES is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals.
Double-sided one side with whaleboats attacking a whale with two ships behind, the other is a closeup of a whaleboat and crew, signed "Kathy."
- Length: 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm.)
- Estimate: $300-$400.
- Sold: $1,125.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237278986_whales-tooth-scrimshawn-whaling
Commentary:
This meaningless note is posted below each piece of scrimshaw. If it is supposed to provide a fig leaf to cover the failure to comply with federal regulations, it doesn’t.
CITES is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals.
Lot 1291 Two Althea Macy Whale Species Wall Plaques
(2) Mahogany Molded Edge Wall Plaques, each with mounted cast resin whale figures identified by species, incl: (4) piece plaque; and Sperm whale plaque.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237278992_2-althea-macy-whale-species-wall-plaques
Commentary: Clearly, the joke estimate reveals that the cataloger hadn’t a clue about Althea Macy’s track record. The subsequent, next day offering Lot 2006 raised the ante.
(2) Mahogany Molded Edge Wall Plaques, each with mounted cast resin whale figures identified by species, incl: (4) piece plaque; and Sperm whale plaque.
- LGST: 15 x 7 in. (38.1 x 17.8 cm.), SMST: 5 x 7 in. (12.7 x 17.8 cm.)
- Estimate: $200-$300.
- Sold: $1,250.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237278992_2-althea-macy-whale-species-wall-plaques
Commentary: Clearly, the joke estimate reveals that the cataloger hadn’t a clue about Althea Macy’s track record. The subsequent, next day offering Lot 2006 raised the ante.
Lot 1292 4 Sailor-Made Ivory Objects & Small Whales Tooth
Including Ship Pulley, 2 1/4" x 1" x 1 1/2"; Twisted handled Fid, 7" long; Small Smoking Pipe, 5 1/2" long; Miniature Cylinder Cup of six dice, with crowned anchor on lid, 1 1/2" x 1 1/4"; plus cleaned but unpolished small whale’s tooth, 4" long.
LGST, Length: 7 in. (17.8 cm.), SMST: 1 1/2 x 1 1/4 in. (3.8 x 3.2 cm.)
(2) Mahogany Molded Edge Wall Plaques, each with mounted cast resin whale figures identified by species, incl: (4) piece plaque; and Sperm whale plaque.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237278993_4-sailor-made-ivory-objects-and-small-whales-tooth
Including Ship Pulley, 2 1/4" x 1" x 1 1/2"; Twisted handled Fid, 7" long; Small Smoking Pipe, 5 1/2" long; Miniature Cylinder Cup of six dice, with crowned anchor on lid, 1 1/2" x 1 1/4"; plus cleaned but unpolished small whale’s tooth, 4" long.
LGST, Length: 7 in. (17.8 cm.), SMST: 1 1/2 x 1 1/4 in. (3.8 x 3.2 cm.)
(2) Mahogany Molded Edge Wall Plaques, each with mounted cast resin whale figures identified by species, incl: (4) piece plaque; and Sperm whale plaque.
- LGST: 15 x 7 in. (38.1 x 17.8 cm.), SMST: 5 x 7 in. (12.7 x 17.8 cm.)
- Estimate: $250-$350.
- Sold: $750.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237278993_4-sailor-made-ivory-objects-and-small-whales-tooth
Lot 1302 6 Books on Scrimshaw
Including: "Scrimshaw" by Carson IA Ritchie; (2 copies) "The Scrimshander" by Wm Gilkerson; "Scrimshaw at Mystic Seaport"; "The Scrimshander" by Gilkerson, Troubadour Press edition; "Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders, Whales and Whalemen" by E. Norman Fleyderman.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237279003_6-books-on-scrimshaw
Commentary: This is a nice small gathering that is particularly useful for contemporary scrim collectors, in addition to a couple of standards.
Including: "Scrimshaw" by Carson IA Ritchie; (2 copies) "The Scrimshander" by Wm Gilkerson; "Scrimshaw at Mystic Seaport"; "The Scrimshander" by Gilkerson, Troubadour Press edition; "Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders, Whales and Whalemen" by E. Norman Fleyderman.
- Estimate: $100-$150.
- Sold: $187.50
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237279003_6-books-on-scrimshaw
Commentary: This is a nice small gathering that is particularly useful for contemporary scrim collectors, in addition to a couple of standards.
August 28-30, 2026. Thomaston Place Auctions, Thomaston, Maine. Summer Splendor, Day 2
Prices include the 25% buyer’s premium.
Prices include the 25% buyer’s premium.
Lot 2006 Althea Macy (1901- 1997) 5 Ivory Relief Carvings of Whales
Deep Relief Carvings with tags of "Humpback Whale", "Sperm", "Right", "Blue" and "Dolphin", mounted on matching mitered mahogany plaques, with tags signed verso and dated 1960-1968.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281459_althea-macy-1901-1997-5-ivory-relief-carvings-of-whales
Commentary: Macy’s work and carved whales remain strong. No bargains here.
Deep Relief Carvings with tags of "Humpback Whale", "Sperm", "Right", "Blue" and "Dolphin", mounted on matching mitered mahogany plaques, with tags signed verso and dated 1960-1968.
- Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
- Sold: $10,625
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281459_althea-macy-1901-1997-5-ivory-relief-carvings-of-whales
Commentary: Macy’s work and carved whales remain strong. No bargains here.
Lot 2018 19th C. Scrimshaw Whales Tooth of a Woman
Waist Length Portrait of a Woman in Renaissance Costume, her hair veiled, dove presenting pierced heart with letter 'A' at top.
Broken bottom edge is original.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281471_19th-c-scrimshaw-whale-s-tooth-of-woman
Waist Length Portrait of a Woman in Renaissance Costume, her hair veiled, dove presenting pierced heart with letter 'A' at top.
Broken bottom edge is original.
- OS: 7 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 1 3/4 in. (19.1 x 6.4 x 4.4 cm.)
- Blank back.
- Estimate: $800-$1,200.
- Sold: $750.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281471_19th-c-scrimshaw-whale-s-tooth-of-woman
Lot 2008 1824-1826 Logbook Whaling Ship “Frances” New Bedford
Logbook kept by David Paddack, Master, May 1824 - May 1826, ship "Frances" of New Bedford, "Round Cape Horn", with cyphers from 74 whales killed, 42 others sighted. Half leather binding with marbled boards.
The Frances was built in New York in 1824 and weighed 368 tons. She was registered in New Bedford on July 30, 1831. With John Briggs serving as master, she sailed for the South Atlantic. Later, under Captain William Swain Jr. and Keeper Orson F. Shattuck, she undertook a long voyage from September 1850 to December 1852.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281461_1824-1826-logbook-whaling-ship-frances-new-bedford
Logbook kept by David Paddack, Master, May 1824 - May 1826, ship "Frances" of New Bedford, "Round Cape Horn", with cyphers from 74 whales killed, 42 others sighted. Half leather binding with marbled boards.
The Frances was built in New York in 1824 and weighed 368 tons. She was registered in New Bedford on July 30, 1831. With John Briggs serving as master, she sailed for the South Atlantic. Later, under Captain William Swain Jr. and Keeper Orson F. Shattuck, she undertook a long voyage from September 1850 to December 1852.
- OS: 13 x 8 1/2 x 1 in. (33 x 21.6 x 2.5 cm.)
- Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
- Sold: $10,625.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281461_1824-1826-logbook-whaling-ship-frances-new-bedford
Lot 2028 Two Vols. 1833-1879 New Bedford Whaler’s Chandler House Accounts Ledger
Well-kept and clean accounts books belonged to David Coffin, in full calf both marred on spine DC, Journal B Oct 26, 1833 - Feb 8, 1837, Journal C Feb 9, 1837 - Dec 1, 1839.
Blank back pages of Journal C removed.
David Coffin's house still stands at 34 South Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA. He operated a candle works and a “try house” where blubber was rendered into oil, and owned shares in whaling vessels. William C. Coffin, his nephew, lived most of his life in this house, and became one of the city’s most active abolitionists. William supported the Boston Vigilance committee, which assisted formerly enslaved people, and the abolitionist newspaper The Liberator. In 1841.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281481_2-vols-1833-1879-new-bedford-whaler-s-chandler-house-accounts-ledger
Well-kept and clean accounts books belonged to David Coffin, in full calf both marred on spine DC, Journal B Oct 26, 1833 - Feb 8, 1837, Journal C Feb 9, 1837 - Dec 1, 1839.
Blank back pages of Journal C removed.
David Coffin's house still stands at 34 South Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA. He operated a candle works and a “try house” where blubber was rendered into oil, and owned shares in whaling vessels. William C. Coffin, his nephew, lived most of his life in this house, and became one of the city’s most active abolitionists. William supported the Boston Vigilance committee, which assisted formerly enslaved people, and the abolitionist newspaper The Liberator. In 1841.
- OS, Set: 17 x 12 x 3 in. (43.2 x 30.5 x 7.6 cm.)
- Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
- Sold: $687.50
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281481_2-vols-1833-1879-new-bedford-whaler-s-chandler-house-accounts-ledger
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Lot 2039 19th C. Scrimshaw Whale’s Tooth of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman standing in an arbor, the reverse quartered with a butterfly, two hearts pierced by one arrow, a peacock and a fouled anchor.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281492_19th-c-scrimshaw-whale-s-tooth-of-woman
Portrait of a Woman standing in an arbor, the reverse quartered with a butterfly, two hearts pierced by one arrow, a peacock and a fouled anchor.
- OS: 5 3/4 x 2 x 1 1/2 in. (14.6 x 5.1 x 3.8 cm.)
- Estimate: $600-$800.
- Sold: $1,375.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281492_19th-c-scrimshaw-whale-s-tooth-of-woman
Lot 2070 Scrimshaw Marine Ivory by Althea Macy.
Large Walrus Tusk Section scrimshawn with dynamic view of a whale destroying a longboat, casting four men into the air, their ship in the background. Mounted on mahogany plaque.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281523_scrimshaw-marine-ivory-by-althea-macy-thomaston-me
Large Walrus Tusk Section scrimshawn with dynamic view of a whale destroying a longboat, casting four men into the air, their ship in the background. Mounted on mahogany plaque.
- Plaque: 5 1/2 x 10 in. (14 x 25.4 cm.), Ivory: 3 1/2 x 6 x 1 1/4 in. (8.9 x 15.2 x 3.2 cm.)
- Estimate: $700-$900.
- Sold: $2,000.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281523_scrimshaw-marine-ivory-by-althea-macy-thomaston-me
Lot 2073 (2) Hand Forged Iron Whaling Harpoon Tips, Bent.
Toggle points severely bent. That's one angry whale.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281526_2-hand-forged-iron-whaling-harpoon-tips-bent-thomaston-me
Commentary: In the 70s and early 80s irons twisted or damaged in their work were quite collectible. Sometime in the mid-80s the emergence of Green Peace and other anti-whaling groups made these objects reprehensible and their price dropped. Today, they are again collectible.
Toggle points severely bent. That's one angry whale.
- LGST, Apx: 21 x 9 in. (53.3 x 22.9 cm.), SMST. Apx: 18 x 6 in. (45.7 x 15.2 cm.)
- Estimate: $300-$500.
- Sold: $1,250.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237281526_2-hand-forged-iron-whaling-harpoon-tips-bent-thomaston-me
Commentary: In the 70s and early 80s irons twisted or damaged in their work were quite collectible. Sometime in the mid-80s the emergence of Green Peace and other anti-whaling groups made these objects reprehensible and their price dropped. Today, they are again collectible.
August 29, 2026, Marion Antique Auctions. The Alfred J. Walker Estate & More, Part II.
Lot 412. Benjamin Russell Painting
(American/Massachusetts, 1804-1885). Watercolor and ink on paper. "Bark IONIA, Captain John Oliver Norton Returning from Sea". IONIA was a whale ship out of New Bedford, Massachusetts owned by Edmund Maxfield. It was built in Duxbury in 1848 and sold to New York owners 24 years later.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997214_benjamin-russell-painting
Provenance: The Collection of Horatio H. Hathaway by descent to his daughter-in-law Mrs. Lovering Hathaway. Private Collection.
(American/Massachusetts, 1804-1885). Watercolor and ink on paper. "Bark IONIA, Captain John Oliver Norton Returning from Sea". IONIA was a whale ship out of New Bedford, Massachusetts owned by Edmund Maxfield. It was built in Duxbury in 1848 and sold to New York owners 24 years later.
- Sight size: 19 1/2" high x 27 1/2" wide.
- In a gilt frame measuring: 22 1/2" high x 30 1/2" wide.
- Estimate: $1,000- $2,000.
- Sold: $2,560.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997214_benjamin-russell-painting
Provenance: The Collection of Horatio H. Hathaway by descent to his daughter-in-law Mrs. Lovering Hathaway. Private Collection.
Lot 324. Jean Colquhoun Folk Art Style Painting
(American/New Hampshire, 1933-2023). In the manner of Ralph Cahoon. Oil on canvas. Depicts a whale hunt by a New Bedford whaleship flying an American flag.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997116_jean-colquhoun-folk-art-style-painting
Commentary: Active whaling scenes, new or old, are quite popular and reflect the interest of those found on scrimshaw, old or new.
(American/New Hampshire, 1933-2023). In the manner of Ralph Cahoon. Oil on canvas. Depicts a whale hunt by a New Bedford whaleship flying an American flag.
- Sight size: 23" high x 34 3/4" wide.
- In a plain wooden frame measuring 26 1/2" high x 38 1/2" wide.
- Estimate: $300- $500.
- Sold: $2,304.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997116_jean-colquhoun-folk-art-style-painting
Commentary: Active whaling scenes, new or old, are quite popular and reflect the interest of those found on scrimshaw, old or new.
Lot 420-A. Exceptional Continental Watch Hutch.
19th C. A finely carved folk-art bone and wood neoclassical mansion carved on three sides. Cut out pin wheel design. Female figure in doorway. Polychrome painted trees and elaborately carved fence and post with hutch on roof. Possibly made by Swedish folk artist Jan Petter Jansson (1829-1914). 19th c. gold plated Elgin watch is included.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997223_exceptional-continental-watch-hutch
19th C. A finely carved folk-art bone and wood neoclassical mansion carved on three sides. Cut out pin wheel design. Female figure in doorway. Polychrome painted trees and elaborately carved fence and post with hutch on roof. Possibly made by Swedish folk artist Jan Petter Jansson (1829-1914). 19th c. gold plated Elgin watch is included.
- 13" high x 12" wide x 7 1/4" deep.
- Overall good original condition.
- Several fence posts are warped possibly due to shrinkage.
- Top of roof shows age crack through center.
- Two roof finials are slightly loose.
- Estimate: $1,000-$2,000
- Sold: $8,640
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997223_exceptional-continental-watch-hutch
Lot 421. Monumental Tusk.
Ca. 1894. (Monodon monoceros). 90" long.
Princeton University professor of physical geography, William A. Libbey Jr. (1855-1927), collected this tusk while engaged as the leading Arctic scientist and expedition logistics manager on the 1894 Robert E. Peary Auxiliary Expedition to Greenland. Henry G. Bryant (1859-1932) led the expedition onboard the steam-assisted sailing ship FALCON, Henry B. Bartlett, master, and wrote The Peary Auxiliary Expedition 1894 (Philadelphia, 1895). In it he describes Libbey's involvement with Swedish zoologist Axel Ohlin (1867-193) who had also joined the expedition: "With Professor Libbey's assistance [we] secured a collection of marine fauna notable in its variety and extent, as may be seen by consulting his preliminary report herein appended".
Ohlin wrote in his report found in Bryant's text: "we procured narwhal tusks in every Eskimo settlement we visited from Cape York to Inglefield Gulf. "
Libbey, who in addition to being a professor, was Director of the Elizabeth Marsh Museum at Princeton, later gave one of the tusks to his colleague at Princeton, vertebrate paleontologist Marcus S. Farr (1870-1942). The gift may have been made around 1904 when Farr joined Libbey in the newly formed Department of Geology. At the time, in addition to being a member of the Department, Farr worked for Libbey at the museum as Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology. Around the same time, 1904, Farr was elected President of the Princeton Fish and Game Society, of which Libbey was then Vice-president, so there are many overlapping areas of direct influence, and evidently affection, between the two men. The tusk stayed in the Farr family for a generation however James F. Farr (1901-1983) and his wife Dorothea E. Smith Farr (1890-1976) had no children and they gave the tusk to a family friend who also lived in Princeton.
A special thanks to maritime historian Michael P. Dyer for his assistance cataloging this lot. Good condition.
Shipping restriction: Please note this lot cannot be shipped out of Massachusetts.
Estimate: $20,000-$40,000
Sold: $56,320. or approximately $7,500 per foot
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997238_sperm-whale-vertebra-and-fossil
Commentary: The strong provenance made all the difference. Bought by a local collector.
Ca. 1894. (Monodon monoceros). 90" long.
Princeton University professor of physical geography, William A. Libbey Jr. (1855-1927), collected this tusk while engaged as the leading Arctic scientist and expedition logistics manager on the 1894 Robert E. Peary Auxiliary Expedition to Greenland. Henry G. Bryant (1859-1932) led the expedition onboard the steam-assisted sailing ship FALCON, Henry B. Bartlett, master, and wrote The Peary Auxiliary Expedition 1894 (Philadelphia, 1895). In it he describes Libbey's involvement with Swedish zoologist Axel Ohlin (1867-193) who had also joined the expedition: "With Professor Libbey's assistance [we] secured a collection of marine fauna notable in its variety and extent, as may be seen by consulting his preliminary report herein appended".
Ohlin wrote in his report found in Bryant's text: "we procured narwhal tusks in every Eskimo settlement we visited from Cape York to Inglefield Gulf. "
Libbey, who in addition to being a professor, was Director of the Elizabeth Marsh Museum at Princeton, later gave one of the tusks to his colleague at Princeton, vertebrate paleontologist Marcus S. Farr (1870-1942). The gift may have been made around 1904 when Farr joined Libbey in the newly formed Department of Geology. At the time, in addition to being a member of the Department, Farr worked for Libbey at the museum as Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology. Around the same time, 1904, Farr was elected President of the Princeton Fish and Game Society, of which Libbey was then Vice-president, so there are many overlapping areas of direct influence, and evidently affection, between the two men. The tusk stayed in the Farr family for a generation however James F. Farr (1901-1983) and his wife Dorothea E. Smith Farr (1890-1976) had no children and they gave the tusk to a family friend who also lived in Princeton.
A special thanks to maritime historian Michael P. Dyer for his assistance cataloging this lot. Good condition.
Shipping restriction: Please note this lot cannot be shipped out of Massachusetts.
Estimate: $20,000-$40,000
Sold: $56,320. or approximately $7,500 per foot
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997238_sperm-whale-vertebra-and-fossil
Commentary: The strong provenance made all the difference. Bought by a local collector.
Lot 428 Eight Scrimshaw Clothes Pins
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997233_8-scrimshaw-clothes-pins
Commentary: Hung out to dry. For many years these regularly sold for $100- $125 apiece. I guess clothes lines are in the past.
- 19th C.
- Ranging in length from 2 3/4" - 5 1/8"
- Good condition
- Estimate: $300.-$500
- Sold: $384.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997233_8-scrimshaw-clothes-pins
Commentary: Hung out to dry. For many years these regularly sold for $100- $125 apiece. I guess clothes lines are in the past.
Lot 432 Sperm Whale Vertebra and Fossil
To include:
(A) Vertebra on a modern stand. 8 1/2" long x 10 1/2" wide. On the stand overall height: 14 1/2" high.
(B) Possibly a partial whale ear bone. 3" high x 2" wide x 1 1/4" deep.
(A) Still shows some oil. Slight chipping around edges.
(B) Good condition.
Estimate: $200-$400
Sold: $2,176
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997238_sperm-whale-vertebra-and-fossil
To include:
(A) Vertebra on a modern stand. 8 1/2" long x 10 1/2" wide. On the stand overall height: 14 1/2" high.
(B) Possibly a partial whale ear bone. 3" high x 2" wide x 1 1/4" deep.
(A) Still shows some oil. Slight chipping around edges.
(B) Good condition.
Estimate: $200-$400
Sold: $2,176
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997238_sperm-whale-vertebra-and-fossil
Lot 439-C Important Carpenter’s Slick by Lewis Temple. (American, 1800-1854).
An important mid-19th C. piece of New Bedford's maritime past and a potentially significant addition to the known work of Lewis Temple, one of the most important figures in the history of the American whale fishery.
The tool is a laminated iron and steel, wide-socket carpenter's slick, or large paring chisel, with a 3-inch-wide blade having a slight rearward taper. Slicks were used to pare, shave, and flatten the faces of mortises and tenons, scarf joints, and other large-scale joinery. Unlike chisels intended to be struck with a mallet, the slick was pushed and guided by hand and was commonly maintained with a razor-sharp cutting edge.
It retains what appears to be its original handle, fashioned from a ring-porous hardwood, probably red oak, and fitted with its original steel handle ring. The handle has become thoroughly blackened, a characteristic frequently encountered on tools habitually used in the whaling industry, where repeated contact with sperm oil and whale oil darkened the wood over time.
As a tool type, the carpenter's slick is neither particularly rare nor inherently important. Such tools were a requisite part of the working chest of a house carpenter, timber framer, or shipwright well into the 20th century. This example, however, is distinguished by the stamped initials "LT," its securely mid-19th-century construction, its blackened handle, and its provenance from a New Bedford, Massachusetts, collection. Taken together, these characteristics strongly suggest that it was made by the celebrated Black New Bedford blacksmith Lewis Temple.
Estimate: $2,000-$4,000
Sold: $3,712
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997251_important-carpenter-s-slick-by-lewis-temple
Commentary: Mike Dyer’s cataloging made a big difference for what, essentially, was buying a name.
An important mid-19th C. piece of New Bedford's maritime past and a potentially significant addition to the known work of Lewis Temple, one of the most important figures in the history of the American whale fishery.
The tool is a laminated iron and steel, wide-socket carpenter's slick, or large paring chisel, with a 3-inch-wide blade having a slight rearward taper. Slicks were used to pare, shave, and flatten the faces of mortises and tenons, scarf joints, and other large-scale joinery. Unlike chisels intended to be struck with a mallet, the slick was pushed and guided by hand and was commonly maintained with a razor-sharp cutting edge.
It retains what appears to be its original handle, fashioned from a ring-porous hardwood, probably red oak, and fitted with its original steel handle ring. The handle has become thoroughly blackened, a characteristic frequently encountered on tools habitually used in the whaling industry, where repeated contact with sperm oil and whale oil darkened the wood over time.
As a tool type, the carpenter's slick is neither particularly rare nor inherently important. Such tools were a requisite part of the working chest of a house carpenter, timber framer, or shipwright well into the 20th century. This example, however, is distinguished by the stamped initials "LT," its securely mid-19th-century construction, its blackened handle, and its provenance from a New Bedford, Massachusetts, collection. Taken together, these characteristics strongly suggest that it was made by the celebrated Black New Bedford blacksmith Lewis Temple.
Estimate: $2,000-$4,000
Sold: $3,712
For more pictures click here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/237997251_important-carpenter-s-slick-by-lewis-temple
Commentary: Mike Dyer’s cataloging made a big difference for what, essentially, was buying a name.
Sept. 3, 2026. PBA Auctions, Thomaston, Calif. Manuscripts and Art.
30% buyer’s premium.
30% buyer’s premium.
Lot 53 Dr. Seuss Sawfish sculpture, Unorthodox Taxidermy
Hand-painted resin cast sculpture. Approx. 20x68.5 cm (8x27"). No. 572 of 850.
Cast from the collection of sculptures produced by Dr. Seuss in the 1930's titled "The Collection of Unorthodox Taxidermy". Number 572 of the limited edition of 850, from a total edition of 1,104. Adapted posthumously from an original plaster, sawfish bill, and oil on wood mount sculpture.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/dr-seuss-sawfish-sculpture-unorthodox-taxidermy-53-c-034c15a601?objectID=205696421&algIndex=upcoming_lots_lotNumber_asc_prod&queryID=ca850cd4353153219bc5bb6b0c0f16f5
Provenance: The Estate of Dr. Suess. The Collection of Unorthodox Taxidermy. 2003.
Commentary: It ain’t scrimshaw, but it’s the all-time most intriguing faux sawfish bill.
Hand-painted resin cast sculpture. Approx. 20x68.5 cm (8x27"). No. 572 of 850.
Cast from the collection of sculptures produced by Dr. Seuss in the 1930's titled "The Collection of Unorthodox Taxidermy". Number 572 of the limited edition of 850, from a total edition of 1,104. Adapted posthumously from an original plaster, sawfish bill, and oil on wood mount sculpture.
- Size: 8″ x 27″
- Estimate: $2,500.-$3,500.
- Sold: $2,340.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/dr-seuss-sawfish-sculpture-unorthodox-taxidermy-53-c-034c15a601?objectID=205696421&algIndex=upcoming_lots_lotNumber_asc_prod&queryID=ca850cd4353153219bc5bb6b0c0f16f5
Provenance: The Estate of Dr. Suess. The Collection of Unorthodox Taxidermy. 2003.
Commentary: It ain’t scrimshaw, but it’s the all-time most intriguing faux sawfish bill.