Antique Sailor-Made Whimsey Whale Bone Awl or Bodkin. 19th Century Nautical Folk Art

Peggy McClard Antiques

Americana & Folk Art

	This is one of an assembled collection of sailor-made whimseys that I am offering. I think this one is made of whale bone. There are too many striations in the material for it to be ivory. Sailors spent weeks or months at a time at sea. They amused themselves by using the materials at hand (ivory, bone and baleen) to carve beautiful items for their own use, on board, or as a gift for a loved one at home. This little beauty is an awl or bodkin. It was likely used by the sailor for repair of sails and the like. It is beautifully carved with serrated edges, a heart at the top center (also with serrated edges) and four keys in the center. The bottom half has a carved step down and then moves fluidly into the straight awl at the bottom. The heart and keys would have been used to hold the thread or string needed for the sewing. This particular piece would have allowed five or more threads to be used at once. The serration of the heart allowed for multiple threads to be used at once. A great piece of 19th century nautical folk art. 4 1/2" x 5/8" at the widest point. (#5107) $295 I'm having a hard time deciding what category to list this collection under, so look for them under both Folk Art and Not Miscellaneous!



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