NEW ITEMS
A0410 IMPORTANT 18TH CENTURY CARVED BUSK DEPICTING ACTIVE SPERM WHALING SCENE.
An exceptionally important—and quite possibly the earliest known—18th‑century corset busk carved in relief with a vivid representation of sperm whaling. Fashioned from maple and dated 1761, the busk features a finely executed scene that is remarkable both for its subject matter and its early date.
On the left, an 18th‑century sloop is shown under sail, flying a pennant bearing the cross of St. Andrew or St. Patrick. To the right, a whaleboat is depicted in active pursuit, with the harpooner already fast to a sperm whale—an unusually dynamic and detailed portrayal for a busk of this period. Above the scene appears the inscription “AD 1761”, and centered near the top is a decorative chip‑carved fan motif.
The reverse bears a lightly penned ink inscription reading: “Property of Stephen B. Dean.”
Stuart M. Frank, PhD, Senior Curator Emeritus of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, has recorded that he is reasonably certain the piece was crafted by Stephan Dean (1724–1797) of New York, who was employed as a sailor.
Dimensions: 11 ½ inches.
$8250
A0415 FINELY ENGRAVED SCRIMSHAW CORSET BUSK WITH ALLEGORICAL VIGNETTES
The unknown scrimshander who created this corset busk was a true artist, working with a precision and delicacy that elevate the piece far beyond simple ornament. The surface is engraved with a sequence of finely rendered vignettes, each carefully transferred from contemporary printed sources and arranged in a graceful vertical progression.
At the top, twin fountains spill from a large classical urn, flanked by birds perched lightly on its handles. Below this, the figure of Minerva, goddess of war and wisdom, stands before an American flag—an early patriotic motif that continues in the next panel, where Liberty appears draped in classical robes, leaning upon an American shield with supporting eagle and globe. The final vignette depicts Cupid, bow drawn, poised to release an arrow of love.
The imagery is crisp, balanced, and unusually sophisticated for a busk, suggesting a maker with both artistic training.
Excellent condition.
Length: 13 inches.
$2500
A0382 UNUSUAL ID’D SAILOR MADE PANBONE BEVEL GUAGE
A rare and finely crafted solid whalebone gauge designed for marking two fixed degree angles—also identified by some specialists as an early form of bevel gauge. The tool is constructed from two pieces of panbone, expertly shaped and secured with copper pins, reflecting the careful workmanship typical of shipboard whalemen’s craft.
It bears the stamped initials “C. W. M.”, which may correspond to Charles W. Morgan, a sailor from Poughkeepsie, New York. While the attribution cannot be confirmed, the initials align with known individuals active in the maritime trades during the 19th century. Measures 12 ½ inches overall length.
Provenance: Mitler Collection.
Literature: Illustrated in Through the Eyes of a Collector: The Scrimshaw Collection of Thomas Mitler.
$595
SOLD
A0380 SHIPBOARD MADE SCRIMSHAW CARPENTERS MARKING SCRIBE
A finely crafted sliding gauge made aboard ship from sperm whale panbone, fitted with a steel scribe point and secured by a whalebone slide tightened with a thumbscrew. This compact and practical tool—typical of a whaleman’s ingenuity—measures 9 inches in length.
Such gauges were used for scoring precise lines in wood or bone, and examples made entirely at sea from available materials are increasingly scarce.
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Provenance: Mitler Collection.
Literature: Illustrated in Through the Eyes of a Collector: The Scrimshaw Collection of Thomas Mitler.
$425
SOLD
A0379. SHIPBOARD‑MADE SCRIMSHAW CARPENTERS SQUARE
A finely crafted sailor‑made carpenter’s square fashioned from a thick section of sperm whale panbone, its outer end shaped with a subtle decorative flourish. The bone blade is fitted to a wooden handle, forming a sturdy and functional right angle.
Dimensions: 9 7/8 × 8 5/8 inches.
$275
ADMIRAL JAMES BURNEY'S POCKET COMPASS ON CAPTAIN COOK'S VOYAGE
A0392 IMPORTANT POCKET COMPASS BELONGING TO ADMIRAL JAMES BURNEY CAPTAIN COOK
This 18th century pocket compass is probably the most historical item we have every had. It belonged to Admiral James Burney who accompanied Captain James Cook on Cook’s last two voyages to the Pacific and was witness to the killing of Cook at the hands of the Hawaiians.
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This is a typical 18th century portable pocket compass that was commonly carried by naval officers. It houses an unsigned engraved paper compass rose, a magnetized steel needle pivoting on a central pin. Mounted under glass in a mahogany case with hinged lid and brass catch. An early manuscript label attached to the underside of the lid reading “Belonged to Admiral James Burney who went round the world with Capt. Cook”. An ornate silver initial “B” was attached to the outside lid at some point in the 19th century.
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Provenance
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​This compass descended through the Burney family: James Burney (1750-1821) was the son of Dr. Charles Burney (1726-1814) and brother of novelist Fanny Burney. His elder sister, Esther, married her cousin Charles Rousseau Burney (1747-1819) whose family the compass was passed down to James Henry Guy Burney (1914-1982), three-times great-grandson of Charles Rousseau Burney, which was then passed on to Simon Fraser, RN. four-times great-grandson of Charles Rousseau Burney.
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Biography
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James Burney was an English explorer and writer born 1750. He began his service in the Royal Navy at the age of ten as a “Captain’s Servant” on board HMS Princess Amelia. After serving in several ships and promoted to midshipman, he began the great adventure with Captain James Cook on his last two voyages to the Pacific. Afterwards Burney served aboard HMS Cerberus blockading Boston during the American Revolution. After his retirement from the Royal Navy he wrote several books including the 5 volume set, Chronological History of the Voyages and Discoveries in the South Sea or Pacific Ocean (London, 1803–1817). Note that the compass comes with Volume II which covers the early expeditions in the 16th and early 17th centuries. This includes the exploration by Sebastián Vizcaíno of California.
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Cook’s Voyages
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On the second of Cook’s voyages, Burney was promoted to lieutenant aboard the Adventure, the consort ship of the Resolution. He served as interpreter and friend of Omai after returning to England. On Cook’s third voyage to discover the fabled Northwest Passage, Burney served aboard the Discovery. He was witness to the death of Captain Cook at the hands of the Hawaiians. He took command of the Discovery upon the death of Captain Clerke and returned to England. His personal journal records in detail the third voyages with Captain Cook and his death.
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James Burney certainly carried this compass with him while he was on the voyages of discovery with Cook. He surveyed and made charts while serving aboard the Adventure and Discovery.
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$14750
A0412 RARE PAIR OF WHALEBOAT PADDLES
A rare pair of wooden whaleboat paddles, each hand-lettered L Boat on the blades. The blades are fashioned from single pieces of pine, reinforced with a horizontal strip of wood, and riveted securely to their handles. Although clearly made by the same hand for the same vessel, the two paddles did not remain together.
The longer example, measuring 78.5 inches, was deaccessioned from the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, having originally entered that institution from the Valley Forge Historical Society in the 1960s. The shorter paddle, 55.25 inches, came from the collection of Robert Hellman, who acquired it from the Clifford Ashley collection. It was attributed to the whaling bark Sunbeam, on which which Ashley sailed in 1904 and documented with a series of photographs.
At some point, the shorter paddle was cut down; its blade now sits slightly loose and shows greater wear than its companion.
$1400
A0400 WHALECRAFT DOCUMENT: PELEG BUTTS OUTFITS FOR BARK MASSACHUSETTS
Rare signed receipt from Peleg Butts & Son, noted whalecraft makers, detailing the outfitting of the bark Massachusetts.
Dated 1856, the document itemizes an extensive list of whalecraft supplied, including:
Three types of harpoons: double‑flu, single‑flu, and toggle irons, Cutting spades, Blubber hooks, Blubber forks, Along with numerous other essential implements for the whaling voyage
This receipt represents a rare surviving record of mid‑19th century whalecraft provisioning, signed by one of New Bedford’s prominent makers.
$150 SOLD
A0405 WHALECRAFT DOCUMENT: E B & F MACY OUTFITS AND WORK ON SCHOONER HATTIE E. SMITH 1884.
Document details blacksmith work and whalecraft fittings for the schooner Hattie E. Smith.
The Macy brothers Josiah Jr., Edwin and Frederick joined their father Josiah from Nantucket to New Bedford around 1850. They took over the firm in 1857 and 1861 the name was changed to E. B. & F. Macy which continued till 1904.
$120
HOLD
A0409 EARLY DOUBLE FLU MOUNTED HARPOON
An early, unmarked double‑flue harpoon, possibly 18th century.
This rare example features unusually narrow barbs tapering to a fine shank with split‑seam socket. The iron remains authentically mounted on its pole, bound with hemp serving and rigged with rope of the period. Measuring an impressive 100 inches overall (38 inches for the iron alone), this harpoon represents a scarce survival from the age of sail and whaling.
$1750
A0408 RARE WHALING BLUBBER SKIMMER
A fine and rare blubber skimmer, preserved on its original sapling pole.
The basket is fashioned from two pieces of sheet iron, riveted to an iron support at the base, with a long shank terminating in a socket. It is secured by a bolt to the pole. Overall length measures 103 inches, with the iron portion extending 39 inches.
This specialized tool was employed aboard whaling ships to skim scraps of blubber from the oil boiling in the try-pots.
$1850
A0411 HISTORIC SHIP’S BELL FROM THE NEW YORK PACKET SHIP VILLE DE LYON.
Cast in bronze and engraved on the front “VILLE DE LYON 1837,” this ship’s bell measures 8.81 inches across the mouth, identifying it as the watch bell once mounted near the helm. It retains its original clapper and bronze headstock, though now set within a later wooden frame. A visible crack mars the bell—possibly sustained when the vessel was wrecked in 1845.
The VILLE DE LYON was built in New York in 1837 by Webb & Allen for Samuel Fox, Mortimer Livingston, and other investors of the Union Line of Havre packets. Commanded by Captain Charles Stoddard from her launch until her loss, she met her fate off the coast of France in 1845.
How the bell journeyed from the wreck site in France to the Pacific Northwest remains a mystery. It has been part of my collection since the 1980s, acquired from descendants of its original owner. According to family accounts, the bell was obtained by Austin Osborne, proprietor of the Hotel Astoria, prior to the Second World War. In the 1950s, it was loaned to the Columbia Maritime Museum.
The bell is accompanied by research materials and architectural plans for a proposed belfry.
$1450
A0375 CASED PRESENTATION TAFFRAIL LOG FROM THE YACHT “HELEN”
Although taffrail logs are common instruments, this example is a notable exception. It comprises the log and two spinners housed in a velvet‑lined, brass‑bound rosewood case. A silver plaque inset into the lid is engraved: HELEN / Chas. D. Middleton. The instrument was almost certainly intended as a presentation piece and was likely never used at sea.
Charles D. Middleton of Philadelphia served as Commodore of the Philadelphia Yacht Club. His schooner yacht Helen was built at Islip, Long Island, in 1884.
$650
A0398 SCRIMSHAW PANBONE BUSK OF QUEEN VICTORIA AND TOM THUMB
General Tom Thumb as P. T. Barnum called him was an international celebrity. In 1844 Barnum took Thumb on a tour to Europe where he was presented to Queen Victoria. This whalebone busk commemorates the event. Made from an unusually thick piece of Sperm Whale panbone with engraved images of Victoria greeting General Tom Thumb who sits in a chair atop a table. Flanked on each side are other Victorian ladies and floral decorations. 14 ¾ inches.
$2500
A0391 CLIPPERSHIP SAILING CARD FOR THE SHIP “TWILIGHT”
Advertising for the California Line For San Francisco. The TWILIGHT sailing card is quite scarce. She was built in 1857 at Mystic Connecticut by Charles Mallory for the California trade. The card dates late 1860s. Condition good with edge spotting. 10.3 x 16.5 cm.
$550
A0389 CLIPPERSHIP SAILING CARD FOR THE SHIP “ASA ELDRIDGE”
Advertising George D. Sutton’s Clipper Line for San Francisco, The A1 Popular Clipper ASA ELDRIDGE, under Captain Kelly. The date of this card is 1869 when Kelly took command.The ASA ELDRIDGE was named for Captain Asa Eldridge of Yarmouth Port who had died in 1856. 10.3 x 16.5 cm.
$425
A0397 RARE LITHOGRAPH OF UNITED STATES FRIGATE ST LAWRENCE 50 GUNS SALUTING OFF OSBORNE, ISLE OF WIGHT.
This rare lithograph by Dutton and printed by Day & Sons Lith. To the Queen, Depicts the American frigate saluting Queen Victoria off her residence on the Isle of Wight. May 5th 1851. Under commend of Joshua Sands to who the print is dedicated, the St Lawrence arrived in England carrying exhibits from the United States for the Great Exhibition in London. 21 1/8 x 27 1/8.Print has full margins, some areas of discoloration and repaired margin flaws.
$395
A0373 SCRIMSHAW TOOTH BY MOSES DENNING DATED 1837
Obverse depicts a naval ship set with full sails flying a huge American flag and a long pennant from the main mast. Four birds, soar in the sky above the ship. The ship is rides upon the water in the form of a fanciful sea serpent. Reverse with a full-length portrait of a young woman wearing an elaborate comb in her hair, a blouse with puffy green sleeves, a long skirt with red cross-hatch design with black and red hem with her tiny feet protruding. In her hands she is holding a purse. Condition as seen with chipping at base and tip. Length 6 5/8.
Moses R. Denning (1806-1884) Was from Poland Maine and is recorded as a crew member aboard the whaleship Nassau on a voyage of 1833-1837. He subsequently became a farmer in Auburn Maine. A signed example is in the collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
$7500
A0374 EXCEPTIONAL AMERICAN HALF HULL OF AN AMERICAN SHIP
This early half hull dates circa 1850. It is made up of 11 lifts with the lower portions light and dark with additions of carved trail board, billet head and carved stern board. Overall length including original backboard is 52.5 inches. With a scale of 3/8 inch to the foot it represents a vessel about 125 feet long or about 500 tons. Could represent an average merchant vessel or whaler.
$1250
HOLD
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A0384 WHALING COMMON LANCE MOUNTED ON ORIGINAL POLE.
This lance was formerly in the collection of Valley Forge Historical Society and later in the Independence Seaport Museum. It was part of a whalecraft collection believed to have come from the whaling bark WANDERER. The lance appears to have never been used which makes sense if it was retrieved from the wreck. Its in fine condition with just light surface rust and retains most of the socket serving. The pole’s original warp line rigging was missing, replaced by a modified system in which grooves were carved in the pole where the warp line was seized. Because this was not the correct way lances were rigged, we re-rigged it correctly running the warp line through the original hole at the end of the pole and splicing a loop at the end. We used authentic old warp line to rig it. Overall length: 134.25 inches, the iron 65 inches. NOTE: The iron can be detached from the pole to allow shipping.
$1250
A0356 RARE EARLY 18TH CENTURY REVERSE TAPERED TELESCOPE C. 1740
This is the earliest telescope we have ever had. Wood tube marble-grained in red and black paint. No draw, focus made by screw thread on the brass ocular lens assembly with sliding cover. Optics okay but not very sharp. Brass Objective lens lacking sliding protective cover, length 38.5 inches.
An almost identical spyglass is in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum which belonged to Massachusetts military officer Thomas Nixon during the French & Indian Wars.
$1750
A0372 SCRIMSHAW COCONUT DIPPER WITH CARVED EAGLE, JEFFREY COHEN COLLECTION
An exceptional scrimshaw coconut dipper with serpentine shaped exotic wood handle, terminating with whale ivory acorn finial and walrus ivory connector to the bowl. Bowl has high relief patriotic spread-wing eagle, shield clutching American flags and arrows. 15 inches
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Literature: Richard Bourne Co. The Folk Art & Marine Antiques Collections of Jeffrey & Francine Cohen, July 31, 1989, Lot 20
$1450
SOLD
A0364 19TH CENTURY WHALE IVORY SCRIMSHAW PIE CRIMPER
Made from a single large Sperm whale tooth with delicate open work in the handle and pierced hearts star and crosses in the fan tail. Large solid fluted whale ivory wheel. 7 .75 inches overall. Wheel has slight warping, otherwise fine condition. 1100
$1100
A0367 IMPORTANT LOGBOOK OF THE CLIPPER SHIP SWEEPSTAKES
Log recorded in preprinted ledger book sold by Negus & Co. Housed in custom made box. Included is a sheet with hand-drawn outlines of North and South America, Africa and Indian continents.
Kept by Captain George E Lane recording his record passage between New York and Bombay in 74 days and return. It is considered the fastest passage over that course. Lane’s start from NY, May 10 1857 was rough: The first day the clipper struck a bark, carrying away her Royal mast which required several days for the carpenter to replace. Later stopped to provide provisions to a vessel.
Lane makes reference to his ship’s speed when he records passing a bark and within 2 ¼ hours the vessel was out of sight astern.
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One of the interesting habits Lane practices is throwing bottles overboard with notes inside listing their position. He writes that it is his usual practice.
The log is generally without serious incidents except just prior to arriving in New York, a seaman by the name of Frederick Myers fell from the royal yard and killed. He hit the main yard then the bow boat then overboard.
The SWEEPSTAKES was lost a few years later when she ran aground on a reef leaving Australia sustaining severe damage which condemned her.
$1500 SOLD
A0343 GOLD RUSH PERIOD LETTER WITH VIVID ACCOUNT OF THE KILLING OF JOAQUIN MURRIETA.
“The story runs that the company raised for the purpose of ferreting out these desperadoes encountered them near the Mariposa, and after a running fight at the length took several prisoners, and killed both Joaquin and another deep-eyed villain called three fingered Jack.”
This rare first hand account of Murrieta is part of a letter written by Joseph G. Eastland to Edward D. Hicks on Donahue's Union Iron and Brass Foundry letter sheet. Eastland came to California with his father in 1849 and founded the town of Oro. In 1851 he entered the Union Foundry under Donahue.
Eastland records that Murrieta's head was cut off and preserved in spirits to obtain the reward.
$3500
A0339 IMPORTANT SEACHEST BELONGING TO COMMODORE JOHN ORDE CREIGHTON 1785-1838
John Orde Creighton had a lengthy though controversial naval career. Born in New York City though the navy registers say West Indies. He entered the navy in 1800 as a midshipman first serving aboard the USS Constitution from 1802-1804 during the first Barbary war.
In 1804 he was promoted to Master’s Mate aboard the USS John Adams. During this time Creighton was put in command of one of the Adams boats to sneak into Tripoli harbor, but it was spotted and came under fire. The boat was hit killing 3 men.
In 1807 was a Lieut aboard the frigate Chesapeake when HMS Leopard fired and boarded the Chesapeake searching for British deserters. Creighton testified at the court martial of Chesapeake’s commander Barron.
In 1811 Creighton was Lieut aboard USS President when she demolished the smaller HMS Little Belt. Creighton was sent aboard the Little Belt and lamented what happened.
During the War of 1812 Creighton commanded USS Rattlesnake. He was offered command of the new Argus being built at Washington but came too late as Washington was burned including the Argus.
In 1815 he took command of the new 74 Ship of the Line, Washington launched at Portsmouth. He commanded her till 1818. It was during this time Creighton was court martial-ed for striking a midshipman. It was the first of two court martials.
In 1829 he was in command of the USS Hudson as Commodore. Again court martial-ed for mistreatment of midshipmen.
The chest measures 26 x 15 inches, constructed of pine with dove-tail joints and with iron bail handles. It is neatly lettered on the top: “Com Creighton USN”
$1450
HOLD
A0330 PAIR OF SCRIMSHAW POLYCHROME TEETH BY THE THISTLE ENGRAVER C. 1840
The Thistle Engraver, so called, is known for his garlands of thistles surrounding ships and figures. His work is beautifully executed with color. This pair depicts on the obverse, ships titled "Outward Bound" and "Home Bound". The reverse male and female figures in Scottish dress depicted with the national flag of Scotland. The figures may represent Rob Roy MacGregor and his wife Mary.
The teeth measure 5.5 inches. The teeth have old chips on the tip and base.
$4500
A0322 18TH CENTURY SAILOR MADE WOOD BUSK
This 18th century busk is finely engraved with pinwheel, floral design, intertwined hearts with chip carved decorations. But significantly is engraved a portrait of a topsail schooner and identified "THE SCHOONER RAINE"
It was probably made by a sailor or master of the vessel as a memento to his wife or sweetheart.
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Provenance: The William Guthman Collection
$1500
A0318 RARE WHALING BLUBBER MNCING KNIFE
This authentic mincing knife is made with a large thin steel blade, reinforced along the back with wood handles on each end. It shows evidence of being well used. The reinforce back has numerous holes, a feature we have not seen before.
Overall surface rust. Other wise good condition. 38 inches long.
Formerly in the collection of the Valley Forge Historical Society.
$650
A0301 THE ANDREW INDERWICK NAVAL ARCHIVE 1807 - 1820
This archive consists of 13 letters written by Andrew Inderwick, Royal Navy officer who served aboard several warships during the Napoleonic and War of 1812. He details accounts of the growing conflict between Britain and the Americans. Includes details of clashes with the America.
One fascinating account describes a strange creature found dead on a beach 35 feet in length and having hoofs like a horse. Inderwick records the account from the captain of the brig Slade that was under convoy of HMS Crocodile. A complete summery of each letter is available upon request.
$2750
A0335: FINE CLIPPERSHIP CARD FOR SHIP PURITAN
A very fine large sailing card for the Boston ship PURITAN, captain Allen Knowles for the Glidden & Williams Line.
Probably dates 1866 for her maiden voyage to San Francisco.
Watson & Clark Printers.
This card is in extremely fine condition and measures 17 x 10.7 cm.
$1250
A0323 EARLY CLIPPERSHIP CARD FOR SILVER STAR 1856
A fine early sailing card for the short lived ship SILVER STAR, Captain Wade for the Sutton & Co's Dispatch Line. This advertisement was for her maiden voyage in 1856. She was built at Medford MA that year for the San Francisco route. She was wrecked 1860 on Jarvis Island in the Pacific.
These early sailing cards were smaller than the later cards from the 1860s and 70s. This one measures 5 1/4 x 3 inches and is in fine condition.
