Title
Liberty Tooth
Date19th Century
Mediumwhale ivory
Dimensions3 3/8 × 6 3/8 in. (8.6 × 16.2 cm)
Object number1948.30.37
Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum
DescriptionPolychrome engraved both sides. Recto: Standing figure of Liberty with USA shield, anchor, cannon, and arrows, holding a USA flag, on a platform inscribed below "LIBERTY"; full-rigged ship under sail in the offing, surmounted by a spreadeagle in flight, encircled by rays. Verso: A woman seated on a sofa, holding a leafy sprig in her left hand, her head resting on her right hand, a table with potted plant alongside, the initials "R.A.N." below, framed in a wreath of leaafy vines, with anchor and justice scales below; surmounted by a dove in flight with a ribband in its beak inscribed "HOPE / ON / HOPE / EVER", partially framed in a circle of rays. Circumferential fancywork fans-and-spires border.ProvenancePart of collection valued at $ 10,000 April 1946On View
Not on view
Tenney, Samuel W.
19th Century
Mid 19th Century
20th Century
19th Century
Circa 1837
