Scrimshaw Engraved Whale Ivory "Naughty Lady Leg" Whistle
InformationScrimshaw whale Ivory Whistle American third quarter 19th century. The whistle is constructed of two pieces of whale ivory separated by a baleen spacer. The whistle is in the form of a “naughty ladies’ leg” and has a highly articulated boot with buttons, sole and heel. The top front of the whistle has a “V” shaped cut out for the sound hole and a wood inlay with a slot to blow the air through. Wrapping the calf is a scrimshaw decorated garter belt around the calf of the leg. (SC1107)
Condition: The whistle is in excellent working condition and has a mellow age patina.
Reference 1: Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders by E. Norman Fladerman,1972. A very similar whistle probably by the same hand is illustrated on page 55.
Exhibited at the Cahoon Museum Scrimshaw Exhibition titled “Scrimshaw the Whaler’s Art” June 29 - October 30, 2022.
Reference 2: This item is illustrated and described on page 12 of the book Wandering Whaleman and Their Art: A Collection of Scrimshaw Masterpieces by Alan Granby, Published by Alan Granby 2022.
Length: 4 Inches
Mid 19th Century
