Scrimshaw Tooth-Bethel

This stunning replica Sperm Whale Tooth is part of the collection at the Nantucket Whaling Museum.  The title of this tooth is called "Bethel" is patterned from the original dated March 18, 1835 from the whale ship Mariner, Edward Cartwright Starbuck.  Large engraved whale tooth with whaling scene, buildings, and poems. Most of the engravings are horizontal with some vertical writing. Front has whaling scene with whaleship and four whaleboats, one of which has been stove by a whale, and cliffs in the background. On same side is a vignette of a sperm whale. In front of vignette words are the words "LIBERTY and UNITY". Reverse depicts a port scene large Seaman's Bethel building with tower and flag reading "BETHEL". Across the street is an L-shaped two-story building with smoke coming out of five chimneys. In foreground is a fenced enclosure with horse and dog. To the left, two ships flying American flags; one flies a house flag with the letter F. Below the buildings are two separate sentimental poems, and four stanzas of a hymn. This was written by Jane Cross Simpson in circa 1830:

"Star of peace to wanderers weary!
Bright the beams that smile on me!
Cheer the pilot's vision dreary,
Far, far at sea.

Star of hope! gleam on the billow;
Bless the soul that sighs for Thee,
Bless the sailor's lonely pillow,
Far, far at sea.

Star of faith! when winds are mocking
All his toil, he flies to Thee;
Save him on the billow rocking,
Far, far at sea.

Star divine! oh! safely guide him;
Bring the wanderer home to Thee;
Sore temptations long have tried him
Far, far at sea."

The original was etched over 100 years ago.  The reproduced tooth is currently made in our studio in Fall River, MA.  The finish is made to recreate the look of an antique tooth.  

This beautiful replica Sperm Whale Tooth weighs 13.4 ounces.  The dimensions are 7.49" x 2.39"x 2.18.  The item number is SP - 05.