A Fine 19th century polycromed 8 panel ANTIQUE SCRIMSHAWED Whalebone Corset Busk

The tombstone top has two hearts each having two arrows going through them. The second panel features an elaborate flower basket sitting on a geometric base. Next is a round panel with geometric star in the center. This is followed by two entwined polycromed hearts. Below this, an not photographed, is a sperm whale. Next is a three masted fully rigged ship flying an American flag. The next panel is another basket of flowers and below this is a wonderful Federal shield flanked by six American flags. A small cannon with cannon balls and a drum are featured along side the base of the shield. As is normally the case , the whalebone busk has a slight bend in it due to drying and aging. There are no cracks or chips and the busk is in wonderful overall condition measuring 13 3/4". From a long deceased collector (1874-1940) from Mattapoisett, Mass., who was an avid collector of whaling artifacts. He was a director of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society, now known as the New Bedford Whaling Museum, from 1919 until his death in 1940. Much of his collection is on display there. This piece is being offered for the first time since it was acquired by him nearly 100 years ago!!