Date: Fri 23-Apr-1999

Publication: Ant

Author: CAROLL

Quick Words:

Maratime

Full Text:

Scrimshaw Whale Tooth Pulls $45,100

with 8 cuts

BYFIELD, MASS. -- Maritime Antiques, Inc, of York, Maine, held its annual

spring maritime antiques auction on March 27, in Byfield. There was a standing

room only audience comprised of collectors, dealers and museum representatives

from as far away as Germany, Holland, London, Hawaii, Alaska and throughout

the US. The auction was comprised of nearly 600 lots, much of which came from

private collections.

Top lot of the auction at $45,100 was an early scrimshaw tooth with a large

whaleship, whaling scene and numerous whales. The reverse depicted a home with

sets of initials that probably were of the scrimshander, his wife and child.

Another large scrimshaw tooth with a "A Sandwich Is. Warrior" on one side and

"A Tahitian Girl" on the other sold for $6,050, far above its high estimate of

$4,500. A third scrimshaw tooth with a whale ship and harpoon sold for $3,300,

also above its high estimate. A scrimshaw swift sold for $2,640.

The Lyle Line Throwing cannon used by the US Life Saving Service sold for

$8,525, topping the high estimate of $7,500. An aneroid barometer also from

the USLSS soared to $2,420 (est $500/1,000). A rare lighthouse "Lens Lantern"

of French origin reached $4,950 (est $2,5/3,500). Harpoon guns are very

difficult to find these days, however, the auction had five and prices ranged

from $5,500 for a brass Eben Pierce shoulder gun to $2,750 for an English made

percussion gun. A rare toggle harpoon made by Zeno Kelly with patent date 1867

sold for $1,760 (est $900/1,200), and a mounted toggle harpoon went for $1,650

(est $900/1,200). Two figureheads were offered, one in the form of a military

soldier sold for $8,470, and the other of a man in a toga which sold for

$4,675.

Some navigating instruments seem to be a little soft with an exceptional

Eighteenth Century long glass with sail cloth covering only managed $880 and a

floor standing telescope only made $2,200. However, a double frame sextant

sold for $2,860 (est $1,5/2,500). Two gimbal barometers were offered, one with

mother-of-pearl inlays that sold for $1,980 and a carved example for $4,400.

Early globes are very popular with today's collector. Six globes were offered

including an early French armillary for $6,325 and an unusual example for

$4,125. A Russian Star Globe went for $467.50. Unusual lighting did very well

with a heavy duty gimbal lantern going for $1,045; a large gimbal salon lamp

sold for $1,210; and a wonderful pair of early gimbal candlesticks sold for

$990. A Mark V diving helmet by Schrader went for $4,675, just under the low

estimate.

A small collection of French POW art, including a four figure spinning Jenny

for $4,400, to a guillotine for $1,870, and three gaming pieces for $300.

Several yacht binnacles were sold, including a presentation trophy for $1,870.

All prices quoted include a ten percent buyers premium. Maritime Antiques Inc

has specialized in maritime antiques at auction for 20 years and has conducted

nearly 50 maritime antiques auctions. July 24 is the next auction which will

be held at the Olde Byfield Expo Center in Byfield. For more information,

contact Maritime Antiques, Inc, PO Box 225, York, ME 03909. Telephone

207/363-4247.