#6009 • 1840s Scrimshaw Male Figure

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

High bid $475.00

Status: Sold

Andrew Hicks Bank Checks and Scrimshaw Nude Figure. One Merchants Bank Note signed by the famed whaling Captain Andrew Hicks dated 8-26-1858 payable to a James H. Haughton for 2,643 dollars 68 cents. The whalebone scrimshander carving of a totally nude male figure is believed to have been carved by Captain Andrew Hicks.  Female figures were preferred over male figures. Many strict Christian captains would throw the female 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 2 x 1 inches.