434g Sperm Whale Tooth

Description

Vintage 434g Sperm Whale Tooth with Scrimshaw Ship Scene – 17 cm,

A striking vintage Sperm Whale tooth measuring approximately 17 cm (6.7 inches) in length and weighing approximately 434 grams, featuring a beautifully executed maritime scrimshaw-style engraving depicting a large ship navigating through waves.

This substantial 434g Sperm Whale Tooth has a classic elongated, naturally curved form with a smoothly polished surface and an attractive warm ivory coloration. The tooth displays the natural character and variation expected in genuine whale tooth, including subtle tonal differences and small natural surface characteristics that add to its vintage appeal.

Detailed Maritime Scrimshaw

The principal face of this 434g Sperm Whale Tooth has been decorated with an intricate maritime scene, centered around a large vessel riding through heavily rendered waves. The ship is depicted with considerable detail, including its hull, superstructure, deck fittings, railings, mast, rigging, and other nautical elements. The artist has used fine stippled and incised lines to create shading and depth throughout the composition.

Particularly interesting is the apparent identification “K-0027” rendered on the vessel, along with additional handwritten-style lettering beside the ship. The scene is further surrounded by flying birds, water, and atmospheric details, giving the engraving a strong nautical character.

The engraving on this 434g Sperm Whale Tooth contrasts beautifully against the creamy white surface of the tooth. Areas of stippling and darker pigment emphasize the waves, ship, and rigging, allowing the composition to remain highly visible while retaining the natural beauty of the underlying ivory.

Natural Form & Reverse

The reverse of 434g Sperm Whale Tooth is largely unengraved and provides an excellent view of the smooth, naturally curved whale-tooth surface. It has a relatively clean, pale ivory appearance with subtle cream and yellowish tonal variation toward the lower portion. The broad body gradually narrows toward the tip, while the root end retains its characteristic substantial form.

The cut/root end also provides an interesting glimpse into the internal structure of the tooth, with natural variation in coloration and texture visible within the central cavity.

Size & Weight

The photographs show the tooth alongside a measuring tape, giving a length of approximately 17 cm. A scale photograph records a weight of approximately 434 grams, making this a notably substantial individual tooth.

Specifications

• Object: Vintage Sperm Whale tooth
• Material: Natural Sperm Whale tooth / whale ivory
• Length: Approximately 17 cm / 6.7 inches
• Weight: Approximately 434 grams
• Decoration: Maritime scrimshaw-style engraving
• Subject: Sailing vessel at sea
• Surface: Smooth, polished natural ivory
• Color: Cream to warm ivory with subtle natural variation
• Condition: Vintage condition with minor age-related marks and natural characteristics visible in the photographs
• Documentation: Shipped with a CITES permit, as stated for this listing

A Remarkable Maritime Collectible

The combination of large size, natural whale-tooth form, detailed maritime engraving, and vintage character makes this an especially appealing piece for collectors of scrimshaw, maritime art, whaling history, and historic nautical objects.

The ship scene is the defining feature of the piece and gives it considerably more character than an undecorated whale tooth. The reverse is intentionally less embellished, allowing the collector to appreciate the original shape, polish, and natural ivory coloration of the tooth itself.

This 434g Sperm Whale Tooth is an exceptional display piece with strong visual presence and would make a noteworthy addition to a specialized maritime antiques, scrimshaw, or natural-history collection.

CITES documentation: This tooth is supplied with a CITES permit, which accompanies the shipment. Buyers should still confirm that the applicable import, possession, and transport requirements are satisfied in their destination country, as CITES documentation and national import requirements can vary.