An older member of our engineering modelling society brought in this scrimshaw which had been purchased in New York 3 or 4 decades ago by a friend. It was apparently sold as genuine scrimshaw, but later, when being informed that it is not genuine, (despite paying genuine scrimshaw price) he gave it to our member in disgust.
Another member in our society and later also myself asked an AI whether or not it is genuine. And a scrimshaw collector in Melbourne was consulted via some photos. There is a consensus that it is not 19th century whaler scrimshaw, but probably late 19th or early 20th century shore based, engraved material. Not sure whether it is marine bone, but it is filled with black material which raises considerable doubt whether it is marine bone.
Anyway, I purchased it from the owner because I thought the engraving was very clear, fine, and nicely pictured the Constitution. It will live in the display case of my Constitution, which is going to my daughter's legal chambers. (she is a criminal law senior counsel barrister).
Just posting this for general interest. Note the mis-spelling of Decatur.
interest.
Another member in our society and later also myself asked an AI whether or not it is genuine. And a scrimshaw collector in Melbourne was consulted via some photos. There is a consensus that it is not 19th century whaler scrimshaw, but probably late 19th or early 20th century shore based, engraved material. Not sure whether it is marine bone, but it is filled with black material which raises considerable doubt whether it is marine bone.
Anyway, I purchased it from the owner because I thought the engraving was very clear, fine, and nicely pictured the Constitution. It will live in the display case of my Constitution, which is going to my daughter's legal chambers. (she is a criminal law senior counsel barrister).
Just posting this for general interest. Note the mis-spelling of Decatur.
interest.