These scenes are no longer mystery scrimworks.
Typical of Victorian-era scrimwork, there is not one letter or number to reveal the name or location of this scene. We now know that the front view is an early depiction of Amherst College, specifically, Johnson Chapel flanked by North and South College dormitories, colloquially known as College Row. We originally suspected it was a university scene, but could have been a hospital, or a military institution. Note the horse barn & corral in lower left of scene (no automobiles or garages 150 years ago). This scribed image is based on the 1828 lithograph entitled "View of Amherst College Mass. from the President's House" by H.C. Kidder (image #6).
The obverse side of this tooth is heavily heat-damaged, most likely from being placed on an extremely hot surface, like a stove. The scene depicts a man, dressed in ragged clothes, on one bended knee with both arms outstretched, pleading his case to a very well dressed Colonial-era gentleman in buckle shoes, knee britches, lace-trimmed shirt, vest, long topcoat with brass buttons, wearing a powdered wig. Two women observe from background. This is a copy of the lithograph entitled “The Prodigal Son Returned To His Father" published by E.B. & E.C. Kellogg of Hartford CT. 11.75-in x 8.5-in. Original hand color. Circa 1840-50 (image #7).
To clarify scribed image from matrix grain of the tooth, I commissioned sketches of each side (images #4 & #5). I then e-mailed sketches to east coast universities, hospitals, and military institutions, in hopes that someone would recognize the buildings, and we can then make a connection to backside confrontation scene. No such luck. Eventually, I e-mailed both sketches to antique scrimshaw expert Jack Chang M.D., who provided matching pictures of lithographs of both images. Jack has an extensive image library, and a near-photographic memory, never forgetting an observed image.
Why the scrimshaw artist chose these two unrelated images, will never be known. His identity will also most likely remain a mystery.
Tooth is 6.5-inches & 24.4-ounces.
Antique and Antique Collecting
Antiques have always lured those with a passion for the past and its cultural significance. Antique collecting though is a serious hobby which requires the hobbyist to posses a great deal of information on the history and other correlating facts if they are to land a reasonable purchase. Most often if not antiques make their way into the mainstream market via simple garage sales, auction houses etc. wherein the owner would have overlooked the significance of these precious collectables.
A reflection and testimony of the glorious past, Antiques are undoubtedly rare. Perhaps that is why Antiques have been collected and preserved for over thousands of years as a souvenir and tribute to what has been and gone. After all, those heard are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter!
Antique collecting has been in the books since the 16th century, gaining momentum through the 18th century to grow into what is now a healthy international business thats on par with the art industry. Some individuals prefer to collect antiques from a specific era, while most are into specific objects and aim at a timeline based collection such as vintage cars or clocks from the 1950s for example. The purchase of antiques is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the effort that goes into their maintenance. Most objects would be anywhere in the range of 50 to 100 years old. The biggest culprit to an antiques degradation is exposure to natural elements, even the air in most cases!
Over the years, antique collecting has taken another curious twist as certain home décor trends these days reflect on a retro feel. For this reason a lot of long lost furniture and clothing styles from half a century ago have found their way back into the current world with small changes that help them amalgamate into the 21st century. This trend of commercially viable antiques has had a negative impact on the market as replicas of famous antiques have been making the rounds and authenticity issues are far too common. Examples for the same would be pendulum clocks, bone china and the 1970 – 1979 contemporary modern furniture.
When it comes to venturing towards a purchase, its best for an individual to take assistance from the nearest antique dealer organization as it would guarantee both its authenticity as well as cover any legalities. Most often the replica market supplies the same antiques at a much lower price and the buyer could suffer serious repercussions on purchasing from such sources as these pieces are not officially accounted for. Antique collecting needs to be met with diligence and maturity in order to successfully sustain the past in the present.
