Rafael Osona's Annual Auction Catalog Rafael Osona Annual Auction 2018 | Page 25

54. WHALEMAN MADE ABALONE, WHALEBONE AND WHALE IVORY SCRIMSHAW AND POLYCHROMED
PRESENTATION KEEPSAKE BOX, CIRCA 1835-1855, a spectacular feat in maritime design and inlay work possibly made
by Captain Spencer Pratt (Bristol Rhode Island 1835-1855). The rectangular hinged box totally trimmed in whalebone, the top has
an ivory scrimshawed plaque engraved with a spread winged eagle clutching arrows and laurel with banner in beak and budding vine
border, sawtooth and star frame. Mother of pearl quarter-fans at the corners, diamonds and 8 various designed pinwheels and more.
The front and sides have a 2-tier mother of pearl inlaid curtain swag and drop border with dots and stars above a sunburst center
flanked by robust cornucopias. Each side with whale ivory posts and ring handles flanked by stars and teardrop wheels. All with
sawtooth base trim supported on four whale ivory turned feet. The reverse inlaid with mother of pearl dots, teardrops and diamonds,
6-point star flanked by 2 American Federal shields flanked by 4-polychromed flags: Left - North German Merchant Union, Spanish
Merchant, British Merchant, Danish Merchant, Right - Netherlands, Admiral’s, Brazil, France. The underneath pine box trimmed in
whalebone straps. Height 6 in. Width 11 ½ in. Depth 7 ¾ in.
Reference: A similar example may be found in Ingenious Contrivances, Curiously Carved/Scrimshaw in the New Bedford Whaling Museum, by
Stuart Frank, Published by David Godine in Association with the New Bedford Whaling Museum 2012 pg 237.
Rafael Osona Auctions
20