Scrimshaw tooth with harbor scene

tooth

SCRIMSHAW & ALLIED ARTS - TEETH
marad; scrimshaw
Heil ?
1800 - 1850
LOA 6-1/2 in.

Sperm whale tooth engraved with unidentified harbor scene. Low sand spits protect harbor, lighthouse on either side of harbor, possibly a lookout tower at left, channel opening at center. Square rigged vessel seen stern to, leaving harbor. Ship anchored in foreground, 2 gaff-rigged sloops under sail at right with spritsail ketch at left. Possibly an early 19th century scene. Engraved at upper left: "HEI(?)L".

UNIDENTIFIED square-rigged vessel
1984.160.3