Using a Flat-Bed Scanner to Capture JPG Images of Jewelry, Coins, & Other 3-D Objects (11/7/08)
I collect scrimshawed whale teeth, and needed a repeatable method of a making high-resolution images of an entire tooth [Image #1], as well as sharp, close-up images of minute detail, such as an artist’s signature [Image #2]. The same requirements are needed for pocket watches, broaches, coins, necklaces, rings, silverware, pocket knives, small art objects, etc. More >>

Wives & Sweethearts (11/2/08)
Sperm whale tooth is 5.5-inches & 12.3-ounces. To Our Wives and Sweethearts Frontside scrimwork depicts a typical Victorian-era New England wife, faithfully & patiently waiting at home for her whaler husband on his 3-year or 4-year long cruise. Original photograph image of Charity Norton found on page 168 of book “Petticoat Whalers – Whaling Wives at Sea, 1820 – 1920″. More >>

Not Quite Authentic Scrimshaw (10/26/08)
In the early to mid-1970s, the U.S. Federal government, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), each passed laws regulating the import & export of endangered animals & their parts, like whale teeth. See C.I.T.E.S. and E.S.A. Regulations. More >>

Patina as an Indicator of Age, or NOT! (10/3/08)
Patina is a natural surface tint which occurs on many objects of age. Most collectors consider patina desirable, and will pay more for an object with authentic patina. More >>

Mysterious Theatrical Scenes (9/14/08)
As previously stated, I love a good scrimshaw mystery, and have solved one or two. See: A Scrimshaw Mystery Solved!. Unfortunately, the scrimshawed images on the reverse side of this whalebone busk remain in the “unsolved” category. More >>

Antique Scrimshaw on more than just Whale Teeth (8/25/08)
Not all authentic antique Yankee or Victorian-era scrimshawed images are on whale teeth. Walrus tusks were popular, as were (whale) panbone sections, sea turtle shells, and to a lesser extent, elephant ivory and hippo teeth. Here are a few examples of matrices other than whale teeth. More >>

What were the true names of Christopher Columbus’ three ships? (8/19/08)
The ships of Columbus were named the Nina, the Santa Clara, and the Santa Maria. The owner of the ships was married to a woman named Clara, whom he affectionately called Pinta. The crew of the Santa Clara honored her by always calling their ship “Pinta”. Its true; look it up. This scrimwork is by the Russian scrimshander Volovik. The tooth is 5.5-inches & 9.1-ounces. More >>

What Goes Around, Comes Around! (8/17/08)
I am not artistic, but I appreciate good art. I should have pursued my Oceanography/Marine Biology studies in college, but I didn’t. Luckily, I have managed to intertwine both interests into a passion for collecting nautical-themed scrimshaw. This passion lead to an invitation to become a WorthPoint Worthologist, specializing in authentic, antique scrimshaw. More >>

Tabua: Power of Life or Death (8/6/08)
A “Tabua” (pronounced tam-boo-uh) is an early- to mid-19th century Polynesian ornament representing wealth & status of the owner. Whale teeth were the basis of several island economies, and personal position. The acquisition of multiple tabuas was one way to become chief of a local tribe, and tabua presentations were a strong way to gain favor with the king. More >>

A Scrimshaw Mystery Solved! (7/24/08)
I like a good mystery! And I especially love to solve mysteries. This scrimshawed 22.2-ounce & 7.25-inch Sperm whale tooth falls into that category. More >>