This is a beautiful antique whale's tooth scrimshaw. On one side is an intricate, almost photographic portrait of "Comm. Thos. MacDonough on frigate SARATOGA on duty on Lake Champlain". The text and rope border add a nice touch. When war with England broke out, in 1812, Thomas MacDonough (1783-1825) was ordered to cruise in the lakes between Canada and the United States, with his headquarters on Lake Champlain. He was instrumental in saving New York and Vermont from invasion by his brilliant victory of Lake Champlain gained, on the 11th of September 1814, with a flotilla of 14 vessels carrying 86 guns, over Captain George Downies 16 vessels and 92 guns. The other side portrays the American flag of the time surrounded by nautical paraphernalia. The detail is amazing. This tooth measures 4" by 1 1/2". The tooth itself is very interesting with its nice patina and natural features. (29) $325
This is a beautiful antique whale's tooth scrimshaw, one. On one side is an interesting rendering of an actual whale hunt. Two ships near an island to reel in their quarry. The superior detail shows the waves and the beautiful ships. The other side has a single ship hauling a whale onboard. You can almost feel the wind and smell the sea air. This tooth is larger than most and measures 6 1/2" by 2". This is a very nice piece. (37) $965