Title

Baleen ditty box

Date19th Century

Mediumbaleen, wood, metal

Dimensions3 1/2 × 5 1/4 in. (8.9 × 13.3 cm)

Object number1973.35.2

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionWooden top and bottom, baleen sides and skirt, the sides incised: a tower or lighthouse beacon, three leafy trees, an ornate building flying a flag inscribed "BETHEL [?] / FEAL [Bethel / Faial]"; five rat-tail tabs on sides + one on skirt; non-ferrous metal fastenings.

Round, covered baleen ditty box with a diamond-shaped pierced joint and engraved with three trees, a tower or lighthouse, and a church with masts and a boat behind. Border along bottom. Lid and bottom are stained wood.ProvenanceAcquired by Charles F. Batchelder from "F.G.L." circa 1927.

On View

On view