Sperm Whale Tooth Watch Stand
Sperm Whale Tooth Watch Stand
Usage conditions apply
- 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.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- whale tooth/clock holder
- scrimshaw tooth, whale / watchholder
- date made
- 19th century
- Associated Date
- collected
- 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
- ID Number
- DL.024905
- catalog number
- 024905
- accession number
- 4331
- Credit Line
- J. H. Clark, of Newport, RI
- subject
- Fishing
- Expansion and Reform
- Civil War and Reconstruction
- The Development of the Industrial United States
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: Maritime
- Cultures & Communities
- Clothing & Accessories
- Work
- Industry & Manufacturing
- Natural Resources
- Transportation
- Art
- Domestic Furnishings
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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