Scrimshaw Market Report
by Andrew Jacobson
[email protected]
Overview
This posting is the first in a new online format. The former quarterly reports were old news by the time that they appeared in the Scrimshaw Observer. The new format will allow for shorter, frequent market updates and fresh information. This initial online report is long, since it covers the first quarter of 2026 and a bit from last year. Comments and suggestions would be appreciated: [email protected]
The 2026 scrimshaw market started in an unsettled economic environment. It’s unclear how much that has played into prices. Several constants held: high quality, unusual, market fresh material has done well. Aggressive expectations, estimates and reserves have not been rewarded. It’s been a surprise at how much mid-level material has been easily absorbed. The adage "Collectors collect" seemed true, even if a bit restrained.
Six figure scrimshaw prices have evaporated. The only realistic public opportunity to spend $100,000 took place last December at Osona’s. That sale and a short review of Wiscasset teeth are covered below. There have been two institutional private treaty sales, one in January and the other last year. Last fall’s sale was covered, and it appears that this year’s will be discussed elsewhere in May.
This report is tooth-centric. The market for standard crimpers, busks, canes, tools and anything baleen is uncertain to downright weak. It is a buyer’s market.
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. 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.
Links to the reports:
by Andrew Jacobson
[email protected]
Overview
This posting is the first in a new online format. The former quarterly reports were old news by the time that they appeared in the Scrimshaw Observer. The new format will allow for shorter, frequent market updates and fresh information. This initial online report is long, since it covers the first quarter of 2026 and a bit from last year. Comments and suggestions would be appreciated: [email protected]
The 2026 scrimshaw market started in an unsettled economic environment. It’s unclear how much that has played into prices. Several constants held: high quality, unusual, market fresh material has done well. Aggressive expectations, estimates and reserves have not been rewarded. It’s been a surprise at how much mid-level material has been easily absorbed. The adage "Collectors collect" seemed true, even if a bit restrained.
Six figure scrimshaw prices have evaporated. The only realistic public opportunity to spend $100,000 took place last December at Osona’s. That sale and a short review of Wiscasset teeth are covered below. There have been two institutional private treaty sales, one in January and the other last year. Last fall’s sale was covered, and it appears that this year’s will be discussed elsewhere in May.
This report is tooth-centric. The market for standard crimpers, busks, canes, tools and anything baleen is uncertain to downright weak. It is a buyer’s market.
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. 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.
Links to the reports: