Susan's Tooth

Dateca. 1829

MediumEngraved sperm whale ivory

Dimensions2 1/2 x 1 1/8 x 5 5/8 in. (6.4 x 2.9 x 14.3 cm)

Object number1973.37.16

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionMonochrome engraved both sides. Recto: Starboard broadside portrait of a full-rigged ship cutting-in a whale, surmounted by the inscription in a riband "The Susan of Nantucket on The coast of Japan"; spread eagle with olive branch and arrows in the talons; riband in beak inscribed "E PLURIBUS / UNUM"; fouled anchor. On the edge below: "Death to the living long live the killers / Success to sailors wives & greasy luck to whalers." Verso: Starboard broadside portrait of the same vessel, surmounted by the inscription in a riband "The Susan on her homeward bound passage"; lighthouse with tender's home; crossed USA flags. On edge below: "Ship Susan of Nantucket / Frederick Swain / Master"; dated: "August 24th 1829". Vine border around base.Label TextFrederick Macy Myrick (Nantucket, MA, US, 1808-1862), Susan’s Tooth, ca. 1829. Engraved sperm whale ivory, 5 5/8 x 2 1/2 x 1 1/8 in., New Bedford Whaling Museum, 1973.37.16. Inscribed: “The Susan on The coast of Japan / Ship Susan of Nantucket.”

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