I splurged a bit on this one by my standards, purchased from an longtime New England dealer, but I didn't think twice: what a wonderful example of a folk art scrimshaw bodkin, which would have been made by a whaler/sailor as a gift to bring home to a sweetheart. Bodkins were once common implements, used for making lace, threading ribbon or cord through fabric casings--necklines, waistbands, etc--and more. I've seen some fancy ones around these parts, including in the wonderful New Bedford Whaling Museum, and including a fair number with clenched fists at one end, but much rarer in my experience to find a ladies leg, and this one marvelously carved and detailed from the heel of the boot all the way up! C. 1850s American I believe, in beautiful condition, carved of whale ivory.
4 7/8" l (measured on the square); 3/8" widest. Excellent antique condition, shot with several times magnification.
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