Ditty box made by Captain William Clift (1805-1882)
ditty box
SCRIMSHAW & ALLIED ARTS - BOXESmarad; scrimshaw
Clift, William (Capt.)
3.50 x 7.13 x 4.56
Wood and baleen ditty box, made by Capt. William Clift (1805-1882) of Mystic, part owner of whaleships HUDSON and SHEPERDESS, master of schooners, MARY JANE and HUDSON. Engraved designs of patriotic, naval, and military motifs including shield with eagle, anchor, crossed flags, 5-point star, and cannonballs; small frame building, possibly school; brig and lighthouse on headland, another vessel astern; Greek revival home; classical building "ASYLUM FOR/ THE ..(?)IANS CHAPEL/ DEPOT FOR ..(?)"; small frame house, windmill; topsail schooner; each scene separated by diamond borders; edge of lid has intricate diamond pattern and is attached with small nails; lid cracked with old tape repair and extra brass brads; lid top inlayed with shield and 4 diamonds, mother of pearl (seashell).
SHEPERDESS whaling ship; MARY JANE schooner; UNIDENTIFIED brig
1936.25