Small oval whalebone ditty box with fixed bone handle second half 19th century. The rare size is very charming with the scalloped top border. The basket is joined with two rounded fingers that have two pairs of metal fasteners. The fixed handle tapers in width with the widest point at the top and then narrows on both sides to where it is fixed on either side with two metal pins. The bottom of the basket is made from some hard wood and is fixed with tiny metal fasteners around the perimeter. (SC1177)
Condition: Ditty box has a warm mellow patina and is in excellent condition.
Dimensions: Height Overall 4 ¼., Height of Rim 1 ¼, 3 ½, Inches
Reference: This item is illustrated and described on page 262 of the book Wandering Whaleman and Their Art: A Collection of Scrimshaw Masterpieces by Alan Granby, Published by Alan Granby 2022.
