#6008 • Andrew Hicks Bank Checks and Scrimshaw Nude Figure

Part of Relics Antiques, and Artifacts: Timeless Treasures (live auction by Blue Box Auction Gallery)

High bid $325.00

Status: Sold

Andrew Hicks Bank Checks and Scrimshaw Nude Figure. Two Merchants Bank Notes signed by the famed whaling Captain Andrew Hicks dated 4-27-1858 payable to Caleb Maxfield for 3 dollars 35 cents and 4-28-1858 payable to Nathan Chase for 259 dollars and 94 cents. The 1840s whalebone scrimshander carving of a totally nude woman standing atop a jagging wheel is believed to have been carved by Captain Andrew Hicks. The absence of women and their companionship for the length of a whaling voyage was understandably responsible for the sculpture. Female figures were preferred over male figures. It is rare for a captain to have one as many strict Christian captains would throw the objects overboard. Nudity was only acceptable on mermaids as they were fantasy. Scrimshanders often would throw their sculptures overboard before arriving in port so as to not offend their womenfolk. The merchant banknotes measure 7 x 2.25 inches wide. The scrimshaw measures 5 x 3 inches with the sword horizontal.