Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth, mid 19th Century

mid 19th century

Patriotic subjects were very popular with scrimshaw artists. General George Washington is the main subject engraved on this sperm whale tooth. He is depicted in military uniform leaning against a large rock, with a sentry guarding a tent camp in the background. Overhead is an emblematic eagle crest with spread wings, complete with striped shield and a banner fluttering in his mouth. His left talon holds a bunch of arrows and the right holds olive branches. Oddly, the Washington scene lacks a single pinhole, indicating a freehand sketch by a confident artist. However, the crest above has very dense pinpricking throughout the composition, suggesting that a different, less experienced artist probably needed an illustration to guide his design. The reverse side is polished but undecorated.