This commissioned scrimwork was completed in late 2006 by Susan Lajoie. The scene depicts the New Bedford waterfront in the mid-1870s. This presentation style is known as "wrap-around", with scene continuing on reverse side of tooth. Original ideas for both sides, were strictly verbal, from collector to scrimshander.
Frontside view is from the deck of a Yankee whaler, as crewmen outfit a longboat in preparation for a cruise, while others bring aboard drinking water in oak casks. In the background, other stores have been delivered, and await loading.
First close-up: Crewmen outfit a whaling longboat in preparation for a cruise. When a whale was spotted by look-outs in the crows nest, the 6-man crews launched their longboats to give pursuit. Only 20% of chases were successful. Each longboat contained a long list of supplies and equipment.
Second close-up: Crew members bringing aboard drinking water in oak casks and other stores, just delivered in background. Many whaling cruises lasted three to four years, requiring immense amounts of barrels, rope, clothing, tools, etc., from homeport. Perishables (live animals, fresh fruits, & bread) were obtained at every port, but "hardtack" (unleavened bread) was the staple food packed in sealed barrels, for extended times at sea.
The scene on reverse side of tooth, depicts another whaling bark just departing from the starboard (right) side of the quay. More stores & hardware await loading onto whaler still moored to larboard (left) side of quay.
Tooth is 7.37-inches & 18-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.
