Sperm Whale Tooth Watch Stand

Description:

Scrimshaw known to have been made specifically for men is comparatively rare. This unfinished tooth was hollowed out at the back to carry a gentleman’s pocket watch inside, perhaps set on a wardrobe, a bureau or a dressing table overnight.

Patriotic imagery was very popular on American scrimshaw. At the top is a large eagle in flight clutching arrows and an olive branch; the hole for the watch is framed by a simple scalloped line. The space at the bottom was probably reserved for the owner’s initials or possibly a date, and the two holes were likely drilled for ivory buttons. The piece was unfinished when it was donated in 1875 by J. H. Clark of Newport, R.I.

Date Made: 19th centuryAssociated Date: collected

Subject: FishingRelated Event: Expansion and ReformCivil War and ReconstructionThe Development of the Industrial United States

Subject:

See more items in: Work and Industry: Maritime, Cultures & Communities, Clothing & Accessories, Work, Industry & Manufacturing, Natural Resources, Transportation, Art, Domestic Furnishings

Exhibition: On the Water

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Related Web Publication: http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthewater

Related Publication: On the Water online exhibition

Credit Line: J. H. Clark, of Newport, RI

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: DL.024905Catalog Number: 024905Accession Number: 4331

Object Name: whale tooth/clock holderscrimshaw tooth, whale / watchholder

Physical Description: tooth (overall material)wood (base material)silver (clock material)glass (clock material)Measurements: overall: 7 1/4 in x 4 3/8 in x 2 in; 18.415 cm x 11.1125 cm x 5.08 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a1-0810-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_308085

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