Scrimshaw tooth, Major General Winfield Scott and woman

tooth

Scrimshawed sperm whale's tooth (A) mounted on a mahogany base (B) with four ivory ball feet. One of a pair with 1991.105.3AB. On one side, engraved "MAJOR GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT." Bust portrait in double-breasted uniform tunic with high collar and epaulettes. Winfield Scott (1768-1866) was a brigadier general in 1814 when he was made an honorary major general, and was promoted to the actual rank in 1841. Of the many portraits of Scott, the prototype for the scrimshaw (1841-48) has been discovered in the New York Public Library (which, unfortunately, doesn't identify the source).
On other side is engraved hip-length portrait of woman.