📜 Antiques Vault Listing Description

Signed Scrimshaw Whale Tooth by Robert Spring (c. 1960s–1980s)

This striking scrimshaw whale tooth, signed by the infamous Robert Spring, features a meticulously engraved image of a three-masted American ship sailing near the coastline—complete with a waving U.S. flag and palm tree in the background.

Spring, a 20th-century artisan known for forging 19th-century maritime scrimshaw, created pieces so authentic in style and technique that many were initially mistaken for true whaler-era works. This piece bears his distinctive "R. Spring" signature on the reverse, confirming its origin.

🦷 Material: Presumed genuine whale tooth (buyer to confirm) 🖋️ Signed: Yes, “R. Spring” (back) 📆 Era: 1960s–1980s 📐 Size: Approx. 6–7 inches long (estimated from image) 📍 Style: Folk art / scrimshaw reproduction 💰 Value: Estimated between $400–$900 USD depending on collector interest and market conditions

While not a 19th-century original, Robert Spring’s work remains a fascinating piece of maritime folklore and collecting history, valued for its craftsmanship and the controversy it sparked in the world of antiques.