This may just be my favorite find ever, combining just about everything that I love most in one very singular small object. It is a snuff box, pre-1850 I believe based on style and construction, and I am quite sure whaler-made. In stark contrast to the fancier scrimshawing one typically sees on whale teeth and the like, what I love about this is the primitiveness of these carved figures, one on one side and a pair on the other, and with these almost wave-like patterns of decoration animating the rest of it, top and bottom included. The figures are a bit curious too--often scrimshawed pieces were made as love tokens, and would feature depictions of ships or sea creatures, or images of home and a woman or family there, but here we have what appear--to me at least, though perhaps I am mis-reading the shorter figure one one side--to be three male figures. Perhaps ship mates, or self and son(s)...who knows? But, to my eye and sensibilities, what a beautiful, touching thing.
3" long x 1 7/8" t x 1" d and heavy for its size, about 4 oz. Due to shrinkage over time, the lid does not fully close, but it does fully open with just a little force, and I'd be inclined to display it standing up. It is structurally sound and not particularly fragile.
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