Raphael Osona auctioned off the William Coffin scrimshaw collection on Nantucket on Sunday, August 8th. A really nice assortment of antique scrimshaw collected by Bill Coffin many years ago. Prices were really strong for the good pieces and okay for the rest. Surprises were: the nearly $15,000 paid for an antique raw tooth - granted it was 9.25 inches long, but that is a big price! The buyer claims he was saving it from a modern scrimshander. The swift on stand went for $19,,500 - a real beauty and maybe now it is time to see swifts go for what they are really worth. I loved the very folky mermaid tooth - I thought it might slip by but good old "eagle eyes" from Kansas City spotted and won it for about $19,500. A very good example by the Lady Wellington engraver sold for well over $50,000 - call me for more pictures of my Lady Wellington tooth, which is for sale - it is 9.5 inches long and loaded with excellent scrimshaw - it is the BEST. The best bodkin in years is now for sale in my bodkins gallery. So many good things but not enough room to cover. Thanks. |
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