Scrimshaw Market Report Update - Late July 2026
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.
July 21-22, 2026. Eldred’s, East Dennis, Mass. Americana, Session I.
Prices include the 28% buyer’s premium.
For once, the crowd in the tent outnumbered the bank of telephones, computer screens and their operators. It seemed a double-decade momentary flashback to the fondly recalled days of old.
The Dickson Collection contains a well-rounded segment of scrimshaw. It also has a few works of art more than worthy of discussion. So off we go.
*Check the provenance for prices from previous sales.
Prices include the 28% buyer’s premium.
For once, the crowd in the tent outnumbered the bank of telephones, computer screens and their operators. It seemed a double-decade momentary flashback to the fondly recalled days of old.
The Dickson Collection contains a well-rounded segment of scrimshaw. It also has a few works of art more than worthy of discussion. So off we go.
*Check the provenance for prices from previous sales.
Lot 8046. Pair of Banknote Engraver Teeth.
EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT PAIR OF BANKNOTE ENGRAVER SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TEETH DEPICTING WASHINGTON AND LA FAYETTE
Finely detailed and delicately shaded, as typical for the Banknote Engraver. George Washington depicted in uniform, probably after a work by Trumbull (1746-1853), while the Marquis de Lafayette is in simple civilian clothing including an overcoat, possibly based on a work by Ary Scheffer (1795-1858). Both busts identified in banners above. Laurel leaf garlands below. Reverses with Biblical scenes: one with Jesus and a supplicating Mary Magdalene, and the other with Jesus and the woman at the well. Intricate borders encircle tips and bases, also typical of the scrimshander's work.
Commentary: A fair trade on a patriotic pair lacking the more desirable whaling or naval engagement scenes.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/extremely-rare-and-important-pair-of-banknote-eng_7120355d59
Provenance:
Charles Hitchcock Taylor.
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1970.
Barbara Johnson Whaling Collection, Sotheby's New York, December 16-17, 1983, Lot #104. *Sold $6,875.
Dr. Joseph E. Fields.
Bruce Gimelson, Garrison, New York.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Exhibited:
Newark Museum.
Snug Harbor.
Illustrated:
Knopf Guide to American Antiques: Folk Art, plate 125.
"Americana" magazine, January 1974, cover illustration.
EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT PAIR OF BANKNOTE ENGRAVER SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TEETH DEPICTING WASHINGTON AND LA FAYETTE
Finely detailed and delicately shaded, as typical for the Banknote Engraver. George Washington depicted in uniform, probably after a work by Trumbull (1746-1853), while the Marquis de Lafayette is in simple civilian clothing including an overcoat, possibly based on a work by Ary Scheffer (1795-1858). Both busts identified in banners above. Laurel leaf garlands below. Reverses with Biblical scenes: one with Jesus and a supplicating Mary Magdalene, and the other with Jesus and the woman at the well. Intricate borders encircle tips and bases, also typical of the scrimshander's work.
- Lengths 5.25". With rosewood bases.
- Condition: Age lines/cracks.
- Length: 5.25″
- Estimate: $25,000-$35,000.
- Sold: $20,160
Commentary: A fair trade on a patriotic pair lacking the more desirable whaling or naval engagement scenes.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/extremely-rare-and-important-pair-of-banknote-eng_7120355d59
Provenance:
Charles Hitchcock Taylor.
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1970.
Barbara Johnson Whaling Collection, Sotheby's New York, December 16-17, 1983, Lot #104. *Sold $6,875.
Dr. Joseph E. Fields.
Bruce Gimelson, Garrison, New York.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Exhibited:
Newark Museum.
Snug Harbor.
Illustrated:
Knopf Guide to American Antiques: Folk Art, plate 125.
"Americana" magazine, January 1974, cover illustration.
Lot 8047 OUTSTANDING CARVED AND INLAID MARINE IVORY, ABALONE AND MAHOGANY WALKING STICK
Walrus ivory handle carved as a right hand grasping a shaft, with an abalone disk inlaid at the top and a gold band wrapped around the wrist. Gold collar. Mahogany shaft inlaid with bands of abalone hexagons, and marine ivory dots, diamonds and flowering plants above a band of relief-carved leaves. Some of the inlaid elements with contrasting metal, ebony and/or baleen highlights. Pierced for a wrist cord. Metal ferrule.
Commentary: Markets change and this price reflected a near $19K drop from 20 years ago.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/outstanding-carved-and-inlaid-marine-ivory-abalon_eb9c467a36
Provenance:
The Private Collection of E. Norman Flayderman.
Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Marine and China Trade Auction, August 21, 2005, Lot #780. * Sold: $30,160.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Illustrated:
"Northeast Auctions Completes the Season with a $9.7 Million Harvest in Portsmouth" by David Hewett, "Maine Antique Digest", November 2005.
Walrus ivory handle carved as a right hand grasping a shaft, with an abalone disk inlaid at the top and a gold band wrapped around the wrist. Gold collar. Mahogany shaft inlaid with bands of abalone hexagons, and marine ivory dots, diamonds and flowering plants above a band of relief-carved leaves. Some of the inlaid elements with contrasting metal, ebony and/or baleen highlights. Pierced for a wrist cord. Metal ferrule.
- Length 36".
- Condition: Gold unmarked. Scattered age lines and light scratching, but generally well preserved.
- Length: 36″
- Estimate: $5,000-$10,000.
- Sold: $11,340
Commentary: Markets change and this price reflected a near $19K drop from 20 years ago.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/outstanding-carved-and-inlaid-marine-ivory-abalon_eb9c467a36
Provenance:
The Private Collection of E. Norman Flayderman.
Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Marine and China Trade Auction, August 21, 2005, Lot #780. * Sold: $30,160.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Illustrated:
"Northeast Auctions Completes the Season with a $9.7 Million Harvest in Portsmouth" by David Hewett, "Maine Antique Digest", November 2005.
Lot 8048 EXCEPTIONAL SCRIMSHAW CLENCHED FIST WALKING STICK
Engraved on walrus ivory throat "Daniel T. Purrinton. Brunswick.". Whale ivory handle carved as fist clenching a serpent, which wraps around the fist and down the wrist. Fist with nicely articulated fingers and serpent with inset glass bead eyes and engraved scales. Mahogany shaft inlaid with whale ivory and mother-of-pearl cap and bells at the top, and whale ivory, baleen and mother-of-pearl diamonds, rectangles and circles. Baleen spacers between the handle, throat and shaft. Whalebone ferrule.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/exceptional-scrimshaw-clenched-fist-walking-stick_cb55dc684a
Provenance:
G.W. Samaha, Milan, Ohio and Wellesley, Massachusetts.
Paul Madden Antiques, Sandwich, Massachusetts.
Jeffrey Cohen, Nantucket, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.
The Rare Folk Art & Marine Antiques Collections of Jeffery & Francine Cohen, Richard A. Bourne Company, Hyannis, Massachusetts, July 31, 1989, Lot #11. * Sold: $12,650.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Engraved on walrus ivory throat "Daniel T. Purrinton. Brunswick.". Whale ivory handle carved as fist clenching a serpent, which wraps around the fist and down the wrist. Fist with nicely articulated fingers and serpent with inset glass bead eyes and engraved scales. Mahogany shaft inlaid with whale ivory and mother-of-pearl cap and bells at the top, and whale ivory, baleen and mother-of-pearl diamonds, rectangles and circles. Baleen spacers between the handle, throat and shaft. Whalebone ferrule.
- Condition: Small loss to the serpent's tongue. Age cracks and some pearling to the ivory.*
- Length 35".
- Condition: Gold unmarked. Scattered age lines and light scratching, but generally well preserved.
- Length: 36″
- Estimate: $5,000-$10,000.
- Sold: $5,670
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/exceptional-scrimshaw-clenched-fist-walking-stick_cb55dc684a
Provenance:
G.W. Samaha, Milan, Ohio and Wellesley, Massachusetts.
Paul Madden Antiques, Sandwich, Massachusetts.
Jeffrey Cohen, Nantucket, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.
The Rare Folk Art & Marine Antiques Collections of Jeffery & Francine Cohen, Richard A. Bourne Company, Hyannis, Massachusetts, July 31, 1989, Lot #11. * Sold: $12,650.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Lot 8053 FINE PAIR OF SCRIMSHAW WALRUS TUSKS
Finely engraved with floral sprigs and standing figures, one with a woman reading a letter and the other with an American Native holding a bow and arrow. Mounted to an exotic wood base with an inlaid compass rose and walrus ivory trim studded with contrasting dots, probably ebony.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/fine-pair-of-scrimshaw-walrus-tusks-america-mid-1_cb84adb0c0
Provenance:
Hyland Granby Antiques, Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Finely engraved with floral sprigs and standing figures, one with a woman reading a letter and the other with an American Native holding a bow and arrow. Mounted to an exotic wood base with an inlaid compass rose and walrus ivory trim studded with contrasting dots, probably ebony.
- Condition: Reverses undecorated. Visible secondary dentine and age lines, as customary for walrus tusks. Old inlaid diamonds/circles at mid-point of tusks. Base with some loss of compass rose inlay, lifting and small breaks of walrus ivory trim, and age lines in wood and trim.
- Height: 17.75″
- Base: 12.25″
- Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.
- Sold: $4,725.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/fine-pair-of-scrimshaw-walrus-tusks-america-mid-1_cb84adb0c0
Provenance:
Hyland Granby Antiques, Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Lot 8054 EXCEPTIONAL SCRIMSHAW WHALE IVORY SWIFT
Elegantly and masterfully crafted, one of the finest examples we have examined, unique in its decoration and in a remarkable state of preservation. Elaborately turned yarn cup, adjustment collars and barrel-form clamp with ebony spacers and coin silver and gold metal pique inlay in organic designs, the clamp with a script "MB" surrounded by a leafy vine. Shaft with ebony banding. Ivory or bone set screws with metal fan-shaped heads adorned with pique.
Commentary: Purchased by a local collector, it blew past a low estimate to a deserved strong price in the moribund swift market. The provenance including Prindle and Kittridge hark back to the early days of modern scrim collecting.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/exceptional-scrimshaw-whale-ivory-swift-america-1_626ddc6ee2
Provenance:
Thomas Prindall, Maine.
Keith Kittredge, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Ed Lang, Long Island, New York.
Paul Madden Antiques, Sandwich, Massachusetts.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Elegantly and masterfully crafted, one of the finest examples we have examined, unique in its decoration and in a remarkable state of preservation. Elaborately turned yarn cup, adjustment collars and barrel-form clamp with ebony spacers and coin silver and gold metal pique inlay in organic designs, the clamp with a script "MB" surrounded by a leafy vine. Shaft with ebony banding. Ivory or bone set screws with metal fan-shaped heads adorned with pique.
- With custom-made stand height is 17".
- Condition: Exceptional condition overall. Very few and scattered age lines/cracks. Pink ribbon cage ties not original. UV light examination reveals several tiny professional restorations.
- Height: 14.5″
- Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
- Sold: $15,120
Commentary: Purchased by a local collector, it blew past a low estimate to a deserved strong price in the moribund swift market. The provenance including Prindle and Kittridge hark back to the early days of modern scrim collecting.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/exceptional-scrimshaw-whale-ivory-swift-america-1_626ddc6ee2
Provenance:
Thomas Prindall, Maine.
Keith Kittredge, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Ed Lang, Long Island, New York.
Paul Madden Antiques, Sandwich, Massachusetts.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Lot 8102 SCRIMSHAW WHALE IVORY "HAND HOLDING SHAFT" PIE CRIMPER
For more information and photos click here: https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/scrimshaw-whale-ivory-hand-holding-shaft-pie-crim_27101c33ad
- Length 6".
- Estimate: $1,500-$2,500.
- Sold: $12,600.
-
For more information and photos click here: https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/scrimshaw-whale-ivory-hand-holding-shaft-pie-crim_27101c33ad
Lot 8103 SCRIMSHAW HIPPOCAMPUS PIE CRIMPER
Carved from walrus or whale ivory. Horse with carved mouth, nostrils, ears and mane, and inset glass bead eyes. Curled and fluked tail. Supports the fluted wheel in its front legs.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/scrimshaw-hippocampus-pie-crimper-19th-century-le_c65b480f00
Provenance:
John Rinaldi Nautical Antiques, Kennebunkport, Maine.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Carved from walrus or whale ivory. Horse with carved mouth, nostrils, ears and mane, and inset glass bead eyes. Curled and fluked tail. Supports the fluted wheel in its front legs.
- Condition: One ear chipped and one glass bead eye missing, but damages are visually unobtrusive.
- Length: 5.5″
- Estimate: $3,000-$5,000.
- Sold: $4,410
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/scrimshaw-hippocampus-pie-crimper-19th-century-le_c65b480f00
Provenance:
John Rinaldi Nautical Antiques, Kennebunkport, Maine.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Lot 8104 FINE SCRIMSHAW WHALEBONE BUSK
Elaborate and crisp engraving of two ships, a heart, a weeping willow and geometric devices, including several five-pointed stars with shaded blades. Work possibly attributable to the Star Engraver, who is known for this motif. Sawtooth border on sides and between several of the images. Harlequin and crosshatch borders separate other images. Interestingly, the uppermost panel and the interior of the heart interior are left vacant, seemingly awaiting a personalization.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/fine-scrimshaw-whalebone-busk-america-circa-1850-_103b67103f
Provenance:
Hyland Granby Antiques, Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Elaborate and crisp engraving of two ships, a heart, a weeping willow and geometric devices, including several five-pointed stars with shaded blades. Work possibly attributable to the Star Engraver, who is known for this motif. Sawtooth border on sides and between several of the images. Harlequin and crosshatch borders separate other images. Interestingly, the uppermost panel and the interior of the heart interior are left vacant, seemingly awaiting a personalization.
- Length: 14.5″
- Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
- Sold: $4,410
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/fine-scrimshaw-whalebone-busk-america-circa-1850-_103b67103f
Provenance:
Hyland Granby Antiques, Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Lot 8134 PAIR OF SAILOR-MADE EAGLE'S HEAD KNITTING NEEDLES
Whale ivory terminals carved as eagle's heads, their long beaks slightly open to reveal their tongues. Contrasting inset eyes. Exotic wood shafts with whalebone and ebony and/or baleen banding.
Commentary: These eagles took off.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/pair-of-sailor-made-eagles-head-knitting-needles-_f26bb59f9b
Provenance:
Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sale date unknown, Lot #682.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Reference:
A similar example, possibly this pair, is illustrated in Scrimshaw an Scrimshanders, Whales and Whalemen by E. Norman Flayderman (New Milford, Ct.: N. Flayderman & Co., Inc., 1972), p. 227.
Whale ivory terminals carved as eagle's heads, their long beaks slightly open to reveal their tongues. Contrasting inset eyes. Exotic wood shafts with whalebone and ebony and/or baleen banding.
- Condition: Surface grime. Some very slight deterioration/separation of dark-colored banding.
- Length: 14″
- Estimate: $400-$700.
- Sold: $1,638
Commentary: These eagles took off.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/pair-of-sailor-made-eagles-head-knitting-needles-_f26bb59f9b
Provenance:
Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sale date unknown, Lot #682.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Reference:
A similar example, possibly this pair, is illustrated in Scrimshaw an Scrimshanders, Whales and Whalemen by E. Norman Flayderman (New Milford, Ct.: N. Flayderman & Co., Inc., 1972), p. 227.
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Lot 8137 DIMINUTIVE SCRIMSHAW WHALEBONE DITTY BOX
Probably New Bedford, Massachusetts, Early 19th Century.
Sides of box finely engraved with the archangel Gabriel, a two-masted sailing vessel, and a large building with smoke coming out of one if its six chimneys. Lip and sides joined with spade-shaped fingers and metal pins. Pine top and base, the top with a dark paint or stain.
Commentary: David Scorsch went long to buy back the previously owned mini- ditty.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/diminutive-scrimshaw-whalebone-ditty-box-probably_7766b2cb70
Provenance:
David A. Schorsch, Inc., New York, 1980.
Bertram K. and Nina Fletcher Little, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Bertram K. Little and Nina Fletcher Little Collection, Sotheby's New York, January 29, 1994, Lot #397. * Sold for $7,935.
Marguerite Riordan, Stonington, Connecticut, February 1, 1994.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Probably New Bedford, Massachusetts, Early 19th Century.
Sides of box finely engraved with the archangel Gabriel, a two-masted sailing vessel, and a large building with smoke coming out of one if its six chimneys. Lip and sides joined with spade-shaped fingers and metal pins. Pine top and base, the top with a dark paint or stain.
- Length: 4″
- Height: 1.5″
- Estimate: $400-$700.
- Sold: $27,720
Commentary: David Scorsch went long to buy back the previously owned mini- ditty.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/diminutive-scrimshaw-whalebone-ditty-box-probably_7766b2cb70
Provenance:
David A. Schorsch, Inc., New York, 1980.
Bertram K. and Nina Fletcher Little, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Bertram K. Little and Nina Fletcher Little Collection, Sotheby's New York, January 29, 1994, Lot #397. * Sold for $7,935.
Marguerite Riordan, Stonington, Connecticut, February 1, 1994.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Lot 8138 UNUSUAL SAILOR-MADE WHALEBONE AND MAHOGANY BUCKET
Constructed from alternating mahogany and whalebone staves, brass hoops and a dark and heavy hardwood base, possibly lignum vitae. Tapered form with scalloped top.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/unusual-sailor-made-whalebone-and-mahogany-bucket_034e754d03
Provenance:
John Howland Ricketson Collection, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Ricketson's Point, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sale date unknown, Lot #27. *Sold $7,500.
Marguerite Riordan, Stonington, Connecticut, February 1, 1994.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Constructed from alternating mahogany and whalebone staves, brass hoops and a dark and heavy hardwood base, possibly lignum vitae. Tapered form with scalloped top.
- Condition: Staves not tight together.
- Height: 8″
- Estimate: $3,000-$5,000.
- Sold: $12,600
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/unusual-sailor-made-whalebone-and-mahogany-bucket_034e754d03
Provenance:
John Howland Ricketson Collection, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Ricketson's Point, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sale date unknown, Lot #27. *Sold $7,500.
Marguerite Riordan, Stonington, Connecticut, February 1, 1994.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
The following exceptional works of art are a bit unusual for this space, but well worth your in depth attention.
Lot 8105 ISAAC SHEFFIELD (Connecticut, 1798-1845)
Sea Captain At A Window, Circa 1840.The seated captain, resting his arm on the back of his chair, is wearing a gold lapel pin containing a ship portrait miniature, probably depicting his own vessel. Over his shoulder a green drape frames a busy whaling scene of a whaleship cutting in and trying out, a whale in a flurry, a whaleboat with six whalers wearing red shirts, and several other whales and ships in the distance. Housed in its original frame.
Commentary: A fine example, bought by the trade. We will see it again.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/isaac-sheffield-connecticut-1798-1845-sea-captain_dee03bedc2
Provenance:
Descended for several generations in the family of Mrs. Gertrude M. Minson, Uncasville, Connecticut, a descendant of Captain Gabriel Sistare (1725-1795) of New London. Minson surmised it depicts Sistare's grandson William M. Sistare (1794-1881) or an unknown area sea captain.
Acquired from Gertrude M. Minson by Marguerite Riordan, Stonington, Connecticut, 1989.
Acquired from Marguerite Riordan, November 15, 2004.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Reference:
"Isaac Sheffield, Connecticut Limner" by Edgar Mayhew, "The Magazine Antiques", November 1963, p. 589-591.
Notes:
Lot essay courtesy of Emily C. Esser, American Folk Art Specialist.
Isaac Sheffield has long been a mystery. He may have been born in 1798, or maybe 1807; we know he died too young in 1845. Many portraits believed to be his work have been later proven otherwise. And Sheffield himself did not make matters easy. Among the small sampling of Sheffield's signed oil portraits, only four have a strong resemblance to the iconic sea captain template…Fortunately, the true Sheffield is nearly a dead-on stylistic match for the portrait offered here, Sea Captain at a Window.
A nearly identically formatted portrait is Captain Lorenzo Dow Baker, "posed in front of a whaling scene," as per the catalogue entry at Mystic Seaport Museum (cat. 1936.5). Likewise with our captain…Sheffield has cleverly included a narrative within the picture. The whaling captain Dow's name and biographical information have survived, telling us about his career verbally as well as visually. But we do not know Sea Captain at a Window's name. And the two works are so strikingly alike that it is tempting to speculate a connection…
Sea Captain At A Window, Circa 1840.The seated captain, resting his arm on the back of his chair, is wearing a gold lapel pin containing a ship portrait miniature, probably depicting his own vessel. Over his shoulder a green drape frames a busy whaling scene of a whaleship cutting in and trying out, a whale in a flurry, a whaleboat with six whalers wearing red shirts, and several other whales and ships in the distance. Housed in its original frame.
- Oil on wood panel, 25" x 20.5". Framed 31.5" x 27.5".
- Estimate: $15,000-$25,000.
- Sold: $22,680
Commentary: A fine example, bought by the trade. We will see it again.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/isaac-sheffield-connecticut-1798-1845-sea-captain_dee03bedc2
Provenance:
Descended for several generations in the family of Mrs. Gertrude M. Minson, Uncasville, Connecticut, a descendant of Captain Gabriel Sistare (1725-1795) of New London. Minson surmised it depicts Sistare's grandson William M. Sistare (1794-1881) or an unknown area sea captain.
Acquired from Gertrude M. Minson by Marguerite Riordan, Stonington, Connecticut, 1989.
Acquired from Marguerite Riordan, November 15, 2004.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Reference:
"Isaac Sheffield, Connecticut Limner" by Edgar Mayhew, "The Magazine Antiques", November 1963, p. 589-591.
Notes:
Lot essay courtesy of Emily C. Esser, American Folk Art Specialist.
Isaac Sheffield has long been a mystery. He may have been born in 1798, or maybe 1807; we know he died too young in 1845. Many portraits believed to be his work have been later proven otherwise. And Sheffield himself did not make matters easy. Among the small sampling of Sheffield's signed oil portraits, only four have a strong resemblance to the iconic sea captain template…Fortunately, the true Sheffield is nearly a dead-on stylistic match for the portrait offered here, Sea Captain at a Window.
A nearly identically formatted portrait is Captain Lorenzo Dow Baker, "posed in front of a whaling scene," as per the catalogue entry at Mystic Seaport Museum (cat. 1936.5). Likewise with our captain…Sheffield has cleverly included a narrative within the picture. The whaling captain Dow's name and biographical information have survived, telling us about his career verbally as well as visually. But we do not know Sea Captain at a Window's name. And the two works are so strikingly alike that it is tempting to speculate a connection…
Lot 8093 THOMAS CHAMBERS (New York/England, 1808-1866/1869)
The U.S.S. Ohio In Boston Harbor, With Governors Island In The Distance.
Stern view of the two-decker man-of-war proudly flying a bold American flag. The pilot boat at center is dropping its mainsail and the Royal Mail Steamer Hibernia is leaving port, bound for Liverpool.
Commentary: Chambers was noted for his complicated, striking compositions. It was a good buy well within his current market range
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/thomas-chambers-new-york-england-1808-1866-1869-t_ef0cfd3001
Provenance:
Hirschl & Adler, New York.
Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sale date unknown, Lot #829.
Marguerite Riordan, Stonington, Connecticut, September 1, 1993.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Reference:
A similar example is featured on the cover and as figure 1-12 in Thomas Chambers: American Marine and Landscape Painter, 1808-1869 by Kathleen A. Foster (New Haven, Ct.: Philadelphia Museum of Art / Yale University Press, 2008).
Notes:
Thomas Chambers was born in Whitby, England in 1808 to working class parents. Little is known of his artistic training...In 1832 Thomas Chambers emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans but eventually drifting north, residing for a time in Albany, New York and Boston…While he proved his merit as an artist, his business skills were less honed and he eventually returned home to Whitby, penniless. He would die there in 1869, and his work was largely forgotten…It was not until a lucky discovery in 1942, when a signed example surfaced…A show at New York's Macbeth Gallery ensued and Chambers' works have been actively collected since.
Painted in the mid-1840s when Chambers lived in Boston, "Boston Harbor" remains one of the artist's most iconic and popular works…"Boston Harbor" is an original composition by Chambers. Kathleen Foster notes Chambers painted at least five known versions of the scene, one of which she included on the cover of her book, Thomas Chambers: American Marine and Landscape Painter, 1808-1869.
The U.S.S. Ohio In Boston Harbor, With Governors Island In The Distance.
Stern view of the two-decker man-of-war proudly flying a bold American flag. The pilot boat at center is dropping its mainsail and the Royal Mail Steamer Hibernia is leaving port, bound for Liverpool.
- Condition: Canvas has been relined. Although the painting presents well under natural light, UV examination reveals some very small spots of paint restoration, mostly around the edges. Several scattered tiny spots of paint flaking, showing as white spots. Some very minor craquelure evident.
- Oil on canvas, 21" x 30". Framed 27.5" x 36.5".
- Estimate: $30,000-$50,000.
- Sold: $36,540
Commentary: Chambers was noted for his complicated, striking compositions. It was a good buy well within his current market range
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/thomas-chambers-new-york-england-1808-1866-1869-t_ef0cfd3001
Provenance:
Hirschl & Adler, New York.
Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sale date unknown, Lot #829.
Marguerite Riordan, Stonington, Connecticut, September 1, 1993.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Reference:
A similar example is featured on the cover and as figure 1-12 in Thomas Chambers: American Marine and Landscape Painter, 1808-1869 by Kathleen A. Foster (New Haven, Ct.: Philadelphia Museum of Art / Yale University Press, 2008).
Notes:
Thomas Chambers was born in Whitby, England in 1808 to working class parents. Little is known of his artistic training...In 1832 Thomas Chambers emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans but eventually drifting north, residing for a time in Albany, New York and Boston…While he proved his merit as an artist, his business skills were less honed and he eventually returned home to Whitby, penniless. He would die there in 1869, and his work was largely forgotten…It was not until a lucky discovery in 1942, when a signed example surfaced…A show at New York's Macbeth Gallery ensued and Chambers' works have been actively collected since.
Painted in the mid-1840s when Chambers lived in Boston, "Boston Harbor" remains one of the artist's most iconic and popular works…"Boston Harbor" is an original composition by Chambers. Kathleen Foster notes Chambers painted at least five known versions of the scene, one of which she included on the cover of her book, Thomas Chambers: American Marine and Landscape Painter, 1808-1869.
Lot 8100 EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT AMERICAN WOOLWORK PICTURE
Vibrantly colored and pristinely worked. Depicts an eagle perched on a Liberty shield flanked by American flags, a three-masted sailing ship flying an American flag, a lighthouse and drapery swags. Housed in its original, red-painted frame with gilt trim.
Commentary: The $50K lower price form twenty years ago was another example of changing markets, rather than a fall from grace.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/extremely-rare-and-important-american-woolwork-pi_209eed46fd
Provenance:
The Private Collection of E. Norman Flayderman.
Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Marine and China Trade Auction, August 21, 2005, Lot #797. * Sold: $71,920.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Vibrantly colored and pristinely worked. Depicts an eagle perched on a Liberty shield flanked by American flags, a three-masted sailing ship flying an American flag, a lighthouse and drapery swags. Housed in its original, red-painted frame with gilt trim.
- 18.5" x 20.5" sight. Framed 24" x 25.75".
- Condition: Overall excellent condition with extremely strong colors, no major losses or repairs, and no significant staining. Several very small spots of loss within the sails of the vessel. Tiny losses at the extreme edges, mostly at the top, but only extremely minor damages elsewhere. Not examined out of frame.
- Wool Work: 18.5" x 20.5" sight. Framed 24" x 25.75".
- Estimate: $20,000-$30,000.
- Sold: $21,420
Commentary: The $50K lower price form twenty years ago was another example of changing markets, rather than a fall from grace.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/extremely-rare-and-important-american-woolwork-pi_209eed46fd
Provenance:
The Private Collection of E. Norman Flayderman.
Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Marine and China Trade Auction, August 21, 2005, Lot #797. * Sold: $71,920.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.
Lot 8098 VICTORIAN CAST IRON "JACK TAR" UMBRELLA STAND
Commentary: This transaction was a fine example of former Fed Chair, Alan Greenspan’s “irrational exuberance” at auction. The umbrella stand was an unexceptional, cookie cutter example that currently and repeatedly trades in the $500.00 range. A couple of bidders got carried away. It’s doubtful that we’ll see this number repeated in the foreseeable future.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/victorian-cast-iron-jack-tar-umbrella-stand-ameri_742a7ee060
- Height 27.25".
- Width 17.25".
- Depth 9.5".
- Estimate: $800-$1,200.
- Sold: $7,560.
Commentary: This transaction was a fine example of former Fed Chair, Alan Greenspan’s “irrational exuberance” at auction. The umbrella stand was an unexceptional, cookie cutter example that currently and repeatedly trades in the $500.00 range. A couple of bidders got carried away. It’s doubtful that we’ll see this number repeated in the foreseeable future.
For more information and photos click here:
https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/victorian-cast-iron-jack-tar-umbrella-stand-ameri_742a7ee060
August 2, 2026. Rafael Osona, Nantucket, Mass. The Marine Sale.
Prices include the 28% buyer’s premium.
Here are some early listings for the upcoming August sale.
Prices include the 28% buyer’s premium.
Here are some early listings for the upcoming August sale.
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Lot 811 Fine Pair of Scrimshaw Whale Teeth Engraved with Whaling Scenes, 19th Century
Detailed whaling scene, with pod of whales, 7 boats out, 4 flagged whales and a stove boat.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/fine-pair-of-scrimshaw-whale-teeth-engraved-with-whaling-scenes-19th-century/
Detailed whaling scene, with pod of whales, 7 boats out, 4 flagged whales and a stove boat.
- Length 4.5 in. Width 2 in.
- EST $3000-$4000
- Sold: $
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/fine-pair-of-scrimshaw-whale-teeth-engraved-with-whaling-scenes-19th-century/
Lot 607. Robert Spring Polychrome Scrimshaw Whale’s Tooth, circa 1971, signed, R. Spring 71
Depicting a whaling clipper ship, pilot boat, and crew. Blank Back.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/robert-spring-polychrome-scrimshaw-whales-tooth-circa-1971/
Depicting a whaling clipper ship, pilot boat, and crew. Blank Back.
- Per Federal Regulation, this item may only be purchased by a Massachusetts resident and will not be shipped out of state.
- Est: $1,000-$1,500.
- Length 5 in.
- Sold:
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/robert-spring-polychrome-scrimshaw-whales-tooth-circa-1971/
Lot 768 Whaler Made Star Inlaid Octagonal Grip Walking Stick, 19th Century
Antique whale ivory inlaid with antique tortoiseshell continuing to a tapering wood shaft with applied tortoise.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/whaler-made-star-inlaid-octagonal-grip-walking-stick-19th-century/
Provenance: The Estate of Herbert E. Sackett, Bristol, Rhode Island
Antique whale ivory inlaid with antique tortoiseshell continuing to a tapering wood shaft with applied tortoise.
- Length: 37 in.
- EST $1,800-$2200
- Sold:
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/whaler-made-star-inlaid-octagonal-grip-walking-stick-19th-century/
Provenance: The Estate of Herbert E. Sackett, Bristol, Rhode Island
Lot 823 Whaler Made Antique Whale Tooth Grip Walking Stick, 19th Century
Antique tortoiseshell inlay on the elaborately carved married two-piece whale bone shaft.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/whaler-made-antique-whale-tooth-grip-walking-stick-19th-century/
Provenance: The Estate of Herbert E. Sackett, Bristol, Rhode Island
Antique tortoiseshell inlay on the elaborately carved married two-piece whale bone shaft.
- Length 35.5 in.
- Est.: $1,250- $1,750.
- Sold:
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/whaler-made-antique-whale-tooth-grip-walking-stick-19th-century/
Provenance: The Estate of Herbert E. Sackett, Bristol, Rhode Island
Lot 760 Whaler Made Peace Cane, 19th Century
Antique whale ivory carved dove with abalone inlay, on tapering whale bone shaft.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/whaler-made-peace-cane-19th-century/
Provenance: The Estate of Herbert E. Sackett, Bristol, Rhode Island
Antique whale ivory carved dove with abalone inlay, on tapering whale bone shaft.
- Length 37 in.
- Est.: $2,000-$3,000
- Sold:
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/whaler-made-peace-cane-19th-century/
Provenance: The Estate of Herbert E. Sackett, Bristol, Rhode Island
Lot 756 Large Nantucket “Peace” Cane, 19th Century
Depicting a finely carved antique whale ivory dove, braided brass collar on finely incised whale bone shaft.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/large-nantucket-peace-cane-19th-century/
Provenance: The John M. DeCeccio Collection, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
Depicting a finely carved antique whale ivory dove, braided brass collar on finely incised whale bone shaft.
- Length 35 in.
- Est: $7,000-$9,000
- Sold:
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/large-nantucket-peace-cane-19th-century/
Provenance: The John M. DeCeccio Collection, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
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Lot 808 Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth “The Shannon and Chessapeak (sic) War of 1812”, 19th Century
Depicting the battle between the two ships, engraved M.A. Gale C, on the bottom edge; Gale, born in Ireland was the first commandant of the US Marines; he was eventually court-martialed because of drinking and carousing of brothels in DC, the verso depicting a 3-mast brig at sea. The capture of the USS Chesapeake, also known as the Battle of Boston Harbor, was fought on 1 June 1813 between the Royal Navy frigate HMS Shannon and the United States Navy frigate USS Chesapeake, as part of the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/scrimshaw-sperm-whale-tooth-the-shannon-and-chesapeak-war-of-1812-19th-century-the-shannon-and-chessapeak-war-of-1812-19th-century/
Depicting the battle between the two ships, engraved M.A. Gale C, on the bottom edge; Gale, born in Ireland was the first commandant of the US Marines; he was eventually court-martialed because of drinking and carousing of brothels in DC, the verso depicting a 3-mast brig at sea. The capture of the USS Chesapeake, also known as the Battle of Boston Harbor, was fought on 1 June 1813 between the Royal Navy frigate HMS Shannon and the United States Navy frigate USS Chesapeake, as part of the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Length 6 in. Width 3 in.
- Est: $10,000- $15,000.
- Sold:
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/scrimshaw-sperm-whale-tooth-the-shannon-and-chesapeak-war-of-1812-19th-century-the-shannon-and-chessapeak-war-of-1812-19th-century/
Lot 793 Whaleman Made Antique Whale Bone and Inlaid Wood Ditty Box, circa 1840
Five carved laps riveted wood top inlaid with mother of pearl wreath.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/whaleman-made-antique-whale-bone-and-inlaid-wood-ditty-box-circa-1840/
Five carved laps riveted wood top inlaid with mother of pearl wreath.
- Height 3.5 in. Length 7.5 in. Width 4.75 in.
- Est: $800- $1,200.
- Sold:
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/whaleman-made-antique-whale-bone-and-inlaid-wood-ditty-box-circa-1840/
Lot 761 Early Whaler Made Turk’s Knot Turban Walking Stick, circa 1840s
The antique whale ivory Turk’s turban fist grip above three different carved sections divided by octagonal rings, the lower section carved of whalebone in a rope type twist and polished edge design, ending in a metal ferrule.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/early-whaler-made-turks-knot-turban-walking-stick-circa-1840s/
Provenance: The Estate of Carol A. Rosenthal, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, to the Present Owner.
The antique whale ivory Turk’s turban fist grip above three different carved sections divided by octagonal rings, the lower section carved of whalebone in a rope type twist and polished edge design, ending in a metal ferrule.
- Length 31.75 in.
- Est: $3,000- $4,000
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/early-whaler-made-turks-knot-turban-walking-stick-circa-1840s/
Provenance: The Estate of Carol A. Rosenthal, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, to the Present Owner.
Lot 767 Shagreen Walrus Head Grip Walking Stick, 19th Century
Glass eyes, silver collar, on wood shaft.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/shagreen-walrus-head-grip-walking-stick-19th-century/
Provenance: The Estate of Herbert E. Sackett, Bristol, Rhode Island
Glass eyes, silver collar, on wood shaft.
- Length 36 in.
- Est: $1,500- $2,000.
- Sold: $
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/shagreen-walrus-head-grip-walking-stick-19th-century/
Provenance: The Estate of Herbert E. Sackett, Bristol, Rhode Island
Lot 771 Rare American Sailor Made Dressing Mirror, circa 1840-1860
Mirrored silhouettes of probably captain and wife above two drawers, ring pulls and carrying handles on turned feet. All trimmed out in antique whale ivory, whale bone, mother of pearl and wood; mahogany and cedar construction.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/rare-american-sailor-made-dressing-mirror-circa-1840-1860/
Mirrored silhouettes of probably captain and wife above two drawers, ring pulls and carrying handles on turned feet. All trimmed out in antique whale ivory, whale bone, mother of pearl and wood; mahogany and cedar construction.
- Height 22 in. Width 20.5 in. Depth 9.5 in.
- Est: $12,000- $15,000.
- Sold:
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/rare-american-sailor-made-dressing-mirror-circa-1840-1860/
Lot 755. Antique Narwhal Tusk.
**Note: This item may only be purchased by a Massachusetts resident and will not be shipped out of state.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/antique-narwhal-tusk-2/
**Note: This item may only be purchased by a Massachusetts resident and will not be shipped out of state.
- Length: 6 ft. 1.5 in.
- Est: $18,000- $22,000.
- Sold:
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/antique-narwhal-tusk-2/
Lot 757. Antique Narwhal Tusk Cane, 19th Century 19th Century
With silver cap grip.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/antique-narwhal-tusk-cane-19th-century-2/
With silver cap grip.
- Length 36 in.
- Est: $7,000-$9,000
- Sold: $
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/antique-narwhal-tusk-cane-19th-century-2/
Lot 805 Rare Whaleman Made Horse Pie Crimper, 19th Century
Crafted entirely of antique whale ivory.
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/rare-whaleman-made-horse-pie-crimper-19th-century/
Crafted entirely of antique whale ivory.
- Length 6.25 in.
- Est: $17,000- $22,000
- Sold:
For more pictures click here:
https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/antiques/2026-auctions/august-2-2026/rare-whaleman-made-horse-pie-crimper-19th-century/
July 8, 2026. Sandwich Auction House, South Yarmouth, Mass. Americana, Session I.
Prices include the 30% buyer’s premium.
Prices include the 30% buyer’s premium.
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Lot 1708 SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH
Late 19th Century. Obverse depicts a ship in rolling seas. Reverse depicts a sperm whale.
Late 19th Century. Obverse depicts a ship in rolling seas. Reverse depicts a sperm whale.
- Length 7.5"
- Est: $400- $700
- Sold $2,210
July 4, 2026. Rafael Osona, Nantucket, Mass. Decorative Arts.
Prices include the 28% buyer’s premium.
Prices include the 28% buyer’s premium.
Lot 0003. Tropical Wood Covered Box with Nancy Chase Scrimshaw Plaque of Whaling Vessel and Whalemen.
Commentary: This was a nice chance to pick up a small, signed on the back Nancy Chase whale boat scene. Well bought.
- Height 1 in. Length 4 in. Width 3 in.
- Est: $500- $700
- Sold $288.
Commentary: This was a nice chance to pick up a small, signed on the back Nancy Chase whale boat scene. Well bought.