Antique Scrimshaw, Maritime Art
Whale ivory pie crimper, mid-19th century. Snake handle with a carved grin, inset eyes, and looped tail; shaft with contrasting bands (probably baleen); rope twist arch; fluted wheel with openwork spiral; and three-tine fork. Includes metal stand, 5 3/4 in. l., $18,750.
Nautical tools and decorative arts from the 19th century were featured in a recent maritime auction, and included objects made by sailors themselves. Whalers spent months at a time at sea. Work was hard but many used their free time to make decorative and useful items for their own use or gifts for loved ones […]