Scrimshaw ???

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wpjson

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Can someone give some information on scrimshaw and horns? I cannot find much on the internet dealing with horns. I am not an artisan, just purchased a horn with scrimshaw and thought it might be a new method, but it seems to have been around for awhile and used mainly on ivory. Thanks in advance. :hatsoff:
 
wpjson said:
I cannot find much on the internet dealing with horns.
There are some exceedingly gifted "horner's" here on this forum that post in this section regularly, I'm surprised you missed the postings.
There's the popular "Horners Bench" web site and forum,,
But to help you with some internet search try this; http://lmgtfy.com/?q=scrimshaw+powder+horn
 
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If you want to be real persnickity, scrimshaw is defined as being done on whales teeth and bone, walrus teeth, etc. It was most notably associated with seafaring men, I believe from the Pacific in the early 18th century.

I'm sure the horners on the list can tell us if that type of work is considered to be the same as is used on our powder horns.

Spence
 
I think scrimshaw and hand engraving has been around since Adam carved Eve's initials on the apple tree.

True scrimshaw was an art pastime for sailor's mainly on the early whaling ships. A person would scratch decoration and depictions on whale teeth ivory with a small knife or sail cloth sewing needle. After the scrimshaw engraving designs were finished on the piece, usually candle soot, ink, grease or other substances were rubbed into the scratched surface to bring out the depictions. Both Ivory and animal bone are harder than cow horn to engrave on, but cow horn engraving or scrimshaw was and is very popular from the 17th century to this day.

Scrimshaw engraving on cow horn is a fine acquired and traditional art form and/or hobby and pastime with patience and practice, practice and more practice.

Bottom line, Scrimshaw on Ivory, Bone, Horn or some other suitable materials are basically named the same.

Rick (AKA Horner75)
 
Here is an older horn I have. I love it. But is this an example of scrimshaw? The one I have coming is much more detailed. :confused:
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Then if you want to get deep into Scrimshaw,,,, get these books,"Scrimshaw the Whalers Legacy by Martha Lawrence ISBN 088740-455-3 or The Scrimshander, The Nautical Ivory Worker & his art of scrimshaw, by WM. Gilkerson ISBN 0-912300-92-2 Scrimshaw as it applies to "us" is done on Horn however there is a lot more to scrimshaw as it applies to Whalers..tools,implements of everyday use on shipboard,presents,,Interesting read.. Beware all who enter here there is no turning back ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
 

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