*166. SCRIMSHAW TOOTH WITH WHALING SCENE. Engraved one side
with stbd view of whaleship with two men cutting-in while a large blanket
of blubber is being hoisted on board. Off vessel's bow is longboat being
destroyed by enraged Sperm Whale sending men into water. 6 3/4"l. x 2"w.
Condition excellent. We originally sold this tooth in 1983(catalog 17, lot
29) and recently purchased it back from that collector. Classic whaling scene. Circa 1850.
sold
*167. ORIGINAL INVENTOR'S DRAWING AND PERSONAL NOTES FOR SHIP'S BED. Very interesting
concept meant to stay horizontal despite any rolling motion from vessel. In
essence a type of gimbal device for a couch or bed. Called "Anderson's
Equilibrio Couch". Consists of a frame fitted with flanged wheels/rollers, run-
ning on wheels allowing bed to stay horizontal despite pitch of ship.
Competently drawn on a single sheet measuring 13" x 18". Attached to upper
right side is 5" x 6" green printed label that shows couch and medal from
London Exhibition, 1873. Also comes with two 5" x 9" printed advertising
broadsides for this couch. An article titled "Curiosities from 150 years of The
Engineer archive" was written about this old invention in the October 2, 2006 issue of "The Engineer".
Fascinating concept. The three pieces
165.00
*168. 19TH CENTURY GLASS DECANTER ETCHED WITH A SHIP. Nicely shaped bottle
measuring 4" diameter x 8" high. Glass has very light, rose colored tone. Front beautifully
etched with starboard/bow view of large English naval ship. Above vessel is inscription "SUC-
CESS TO THE SHIP WALRUS". Condition excellent although the glass stopper may be a replace-
ment because it doesn't have same color tone as bottle. Overall a quite attractive item.
sold
*169. LARGE EARLY SPERM WHALE TOOTH. Was never smoothed
and is in natural state as when it was removed from whale. Great shape
and size measuring 7"l. x 4" wide. Very deep age patina throughout.
Family history that came with it states that it belonged to a man that went whaling
named William Albert Tower who originated from New Brunswick, Canada. I've done
no research on the man and there is no way to really substantiate this other than it
being family here say that has been passed along. A really terrific 19th century specimen.
sold
*170. BRASS BARELLED BLUNDERBUSS WITH SNAP BAYONET. 14"l. octagonal/cannon turned barrel
with two deep stamped proof marks and town name "MANCHESTER" engraved on top. 12"l. triangular
shaped steel bayonet that folds back and locks in place along the top
edge of the barrel. Steel lock with maker name "ASTON". Goose neck
style, flint lock hammer. Brass furniture including butt plate, trigger
guard with pineapple finial, ramrod sleeves and escutcheon. The top
of butt plate and trigger guard with extra engraving. Stock with check-
ered design behind lock. Overall length 29 1/4". Condition excellent. There are several gunmakers with the
name Aston listed so it is difficult to determine the exact maker of this gun. Circa 1810.
4975.00
*171. 19TH CENTURY POLYCHROME COLORED TOOTH WITH PATRIOTIC MOTIFS.
Decorated one side with open winged American Eagle holding in his beak a banner that has motto
"LIBERTY & UNION". Below are four American flags, a patriotic shield, crossed cannon barrels,
cannon balls and a drum. Above Eagle is three dimensional star. Reverse has a female, with long
flowing hair, who is seated on a rock. 6 1/2"l. x 2 3/8"w. Excellent quality work. Flags, shield and
drum beautifully colored in red. Condition fine. Fabulous deep age patina. Circa 1860.
sold
172.BARBARA JOHNSON WHALING COLLECTION....FULL SET OF AUCTION CATALOGS.
Sothebys New York. Four part sale: Part 1 Dec., 1981. Part 2 Sept., 1982. Part 3 April, 1983. Part 4
Dec., 1983. All in good condition. Price keys. Largest and most diverse whaling and scrimshaw col-
lection ever assembled by a private individual. Very important reference material for any serious scrimshaw or
whaling collector. The set
sold
173. MARINE AUCTION CATALOG. Richard Bourne, Hyannis, MA, March 4, 1986.
sold
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