Fine Engraved Scrimshaw Whales Tooth, Signed M.S., Ship Eliza Adams, Off The Coast of Madagascar, Dated July 10th, 1864

the obverse engraved with a whaleship in the background, flying the American flag, sailors in long boats harpooning a whale, the reverse with sailors harpooning another whale along with two killed whales at right; the top initialed M.S. ship Eliza Adams separated by horizontal harpoons, the sides engraved Capt. J.W. Cornell and off coast Madagascar, the reverse with a swooping American eagle, grasping harpoons in its talons above the date July 10, 1864, the sea picked out in green, the tip drilled with a hole, splits.

condition as pictured: two 1/4 to 2 inch cracks, drilled hole in tip, good color, sound.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

John W. Cornell was the master of the Ship Eliza Adams of New Bedford, Massachusetts on a voyage from September 6, 1876 to November 13, 1878 to Western, South Atlantic and other whaling grounds. The journal of this voyage was kept  by George W. Bourne, and it includes descriptions of various types of whales seen or taken, accidents and death at sea, and rescues, and whale stamps, accounts and inventories of whale oil and bone.
An account in the New York Times of June 17, 1895 ("Few Remaining American Ships – They are said to Number but One Hundred and Eighty Two") states:
"...those glorious days when the ships were numbered in the thousands...there are now 182 ships flying our flag. The oldest was built in 1835, and is the ship Eliza Adams, 388 tons. She was built in Fairhaven, Mass., a whaler."
A poster image of the Eliza Adams was made by Basil Smith in 1982.