Scrimshaw tooth with Masonic symbols

tooth

Sperm whale tooth engraved on obverse with open copy of "THE HOLY BIBLE", a flag w/anchor marked "BETHEL" and a fouled anchor. Reverse has an engraving of a bird perched on a branch. Decorative geometric border around tip is similar to the Masonic compass and square symbols. A sawtooth border wraps around the base. Tooth is chipped at tip & base, w/several longitudinal checks along its length. Bethel design pin pricked from engraving appearing in "Sailors Magazine" from October 1846 to November 1854.