Important pair of Nathaniel S. Finney (1813-1879), scrimshaw walrus tusks, ca. 1870. The first with an oval portrait of Washington surmounted by a polychrome spread winged eagle and shield above a portrait of a gentleman above a variation of the Great Seal of the State of California with Liberty facing forward holding a polychrome shield with stars and stripes over another engraved portrait, possibly Leland Stanford above a floral and leaf border. The other tusk with a portrait of Lafayette surmounted by a polychrome spread winged eagle above a portrait over the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts above a portrait of a gentleman over an identical floral and leaf border. Both tusks are signed verso Engraved by N.S. Finney S.F. Cal., 15" h. Finney, a native of Plymouth, Massachusettes, and a whaler earlier in life, moved to San Francisco and became the first professional scrimshaw artist, doing most of his work on commission. This pair is significant because it celebrates both his native state and his adopted home. Condition:Good condition. No apparent damages or repairs.
Important pair of Nathaniel S. Finney (1813-1879), scrimshaw walrus tusks, ca. 1870. The first with an oval portrait of Washington surmounted by a polychrome spread winged eagle and shield above a portrait of a gentleman above a variation of the Great Seal of the State of California with Liberty facing forward holding a polychrome shield with stars and stripes over another engraved portrait, possibly Leland Stanford above a floral and leaf border. The other tusk with a portrait of Lafayette surmounted by a polychrome spread winged eagle above a portrait over the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts above a portrait of a gentleman over an identical floral and leaf border. Both tusks are signed verso Engraved by N.S. Finney S.F. Cal., 15" h. Finney, a native of Plymouth, Massachusettes, and a whaler earlier in life, moved to San Francisco and became the first professional scrimshaw artist, doing most of his work on commission. This pair is significant because it celebrates both his native state and his adopted home. Condition:Good condition. No apparent damages or repairs.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
