Among the more intersting allegories we have observed on scrimshaw whale teeth, this depiction of a sailor brandishing a sword high in his right hand while balancing the flag staff of a British Sailing Ensign. This imagery, between a large American brigantine and a British Sailing Sloop speaks to the dual natures and nationalities of many sailing men, whether by choice or forced impressment. Such choices and actions led to conflicts in the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and beyond.
The tooth has a nice sharp line with the folk qualities of a sailor that enjoyed his own artistic vision. The finish includes some polychrome elements and the ships are more finely rendered than the human.
