Artist/Maker
Hatch, J.B.
Title
J.B. Hatch Tooth
DateCirca 19th Century
Mediumsperm whale ivory
Dimensions4 × 9 in. (10.2 × 22.9 cm)
Object number1973.35.1
Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum
DescriptionMonochrome engraved one side only: Polished and within a double-line frame, a full rigged ship, three whaleboats, one on the waterline after two whales, one by the whale's open jaw, one about to harpoon the whale with two harpoons already in his side. The hump on the tooth above the engraving is partially cut away, and the top right corner of the scene inscribed (signed) " J.B. Hatch". Verso: in the raw state and heavily patinated. Weight: 3 1/2 lbs.The authenticitry of the scrimshaw has been disputed and remains controversial. Ref: S.M. Frank, Dict, Scrim. Artists, p. 65.
On View
Not on view
Komoneseok, Billy "Billiken" (same as Billy Kamoneseok)
Murphy, Robert Cushman*
Bangs, Eli
Comer, George
