Whale Ivory is a family-owned business with a history that began in 1968, when our founder, M. Meadows, began building a small personal collection of antique whale teeth and whale bone.

A passionate scrimshander and collector, M. Meadows was fascinated by the history, craftsmanship, and maritime culture surrounding these remarkable objects. What began as a personal collection gradually grew over the years. As the collection expanded, he began acquiring additional whale teeth and bone from collectors, families, and longtime owners—and eventually began selling selected pieces to fellow collectors and enthusiasts.

More than five decades later, that original passion continues to guide our family business.

Nantucket Heritage

A significant portion of our collection comes from Nantucket, an island with a deep and important connection to American whaling and the historic art of scrimshaw.

Many of the pieces we acquire have remained in private family collections for generations. We work with families who have inherited these historic objects and have decided that the time has come to pass them on to new collectors. Each piece has its own history, and we believe preserving that history is an important part of collecting.

Our inventory includes antique whale teeth, scrimshaw, whale bone, and other historic maritime pieces. Whenever possible, we provide information about a piece’s known history, provenance, age, condition, and previous ownership.

Responsible Collecting & Documentation

We understand that collecting historic whale ivory carries significant legal and conservation responsibilities. For that reason, we take documentation and legal compliance seriously.

Every piece we sell is shipped with a CITES permit or the applicable CITES documentation required for its international shipment. We believe proper documentation is essential for protecting both the buyer and the historic object.

Our goal is to make the acquisition of these historic pieces as transparent and straightforward as possible while respecting the laws governing the trade and international movement of protected wildlife specimens.

Preserving History for Future Generations

We don’t simply view these objects as antiques. They are tangible pieces of maritime history—objects that connect us to the sailors, craftsmen, collectors, and coastal communities of another era.

From a scrimshawed sperm whale tooth to an antique piece of whale bone, every item tells a story.

After more than 50 years of collecting and dealing, our family remains committed to finding exceptional historic pieces, documenting their history, and placing them with collectors who appreciate their craftsmanship and cultural significance.

Thank you for visiting Whale Ivory and for being part of the continuing history of these remarkable objects.