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Wick Ahrens Carved & Painted Finback Whale Plaque,
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Ahrens, a renown whale sculptor had a gallery in Vermont
(Born: 1944, died: 2016) Date/Period: 1991
Additional Information: Naturalistically modelled, inset glass eye, signed, and dated…
Wick Ahrens carved whales for 50-years. The respected sculptor was inspired by and
studied under Clark Voorhees, continuing his education at the Vesper George School of
Art in Boston and the San Francisco School of Art. The artist’s work is found across the
country in Aiken, South Carolina, Newport, Rhode Island, Los Angeles and Berkeley,
California as well as in the collections of the Coyote Point Museum for Environmental
Education in San Mateo, CA, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and the Nantucket
Historical Association. Ahrens produced only a few pieces each year. Completely
original yet authentic interpretations of various species result. His work is represented in
NMNA America bank, in other private collections at Newport RI, Aiken SC, Pt. Reyes
CA, Berkeley and Los Angeles, as well as public museums and galleries. He is a
member of the Copley Society of Boston, and the Society of Animal Artists.
Exhibits:
Oakland Museum, Oakland CA
Coyote Point Museum, San Mateo CA
Maui Art Exposition, Maui HI
Mystic Maritime Museum, Mystic CT
Southern Vermont Arts Center, Manchester VT
$2,950.00
478-13
Compass from the Robert Edwards Whaleboat of New Bedford
Gimbled Dry Card Ship Compass, C.R. Sherman & Co., New Bedford Date/Period: 19th Century, Likely Late 1860s
Measurement: The box: 5" x 8" x 7.5"
Material: Brass, wood, paper
Condition: Generally good, commensurate with age and use; typical shrinkage crack to
rim of bowl, original green, and red paint; Masonic compass and square in
black. One hanging cleat missing.
Additional Information: Compass from the Larboard whaleboat of the Whaleship
Robert Edwards of New Bedford. A rare example of an American whaleboat compass
with early painted LB for Larboard boat on chamfered sliding lid; Masonic compass and
square painted of the front of compass box. On the underside of wooden lid is a pencil
written legend stating “Ship Robert Edwards” with several numbers follow which appear
to report barrels of sperm oil taken. There is also a signature at the bottom. This
nautical dry-card compass within a turned wooden bowl gimbal mounted in a wooden
slide lid box.
The Robert Edwards had a long and varied history. Being built in New York in 1817,
and continued in service for much, or possible all, of its career as a New Bedford
Whaler until burned by its crew several hundred miles off Rio Janeiro [sic]. The
Whalemen’s Shipping List first reports on September 13th, 1870 that the Robert
Edwards was burned at sea on July 24th, and the crew rescued by the Mary Rico of
Baltimore. On October 25th, 1870, the same reported the Robert Edwards was set on
fire by 4 of her crew who were taken into custody in Rio to be sent to the United States.
One of the perpetrators, John Jansen, jumped overboard and disappeared while the
rest of the crew fought the blaze. On March 14th of 1871 it was reported that three
remaining seamen had been to trial with one being found guilty, and the jury was unable
to agree on the other 2 defendants. The penalty for the offence is death!
Charles R. Sherman, (flourished 1865-1905) dealer in nautical, mathematical, and
optical instruments, charts, nautical books, patent logs, stationery, &c., no. 49 North
Water Street, New Bedford Charles Sherman was active as an instrument maker in
New Bedford from 1849-1865 thereafter adding ‘& Co’.
$2,265.00
879-144
Nineteenth Century Shipwright’s Pitch Ladle, For Filling Deck Seams W/ Tar/Pitch
We only know of a few examples within museum collections… Date/Period: Circa 1830-1875
Measurement: Length: 21.25"
Material: Wrought iron
Condition: Good
Additional Information: Handwrought featuring flattened and scrolled handle terminus;
spouted bowl riveted to handle. To ensure that the ship watertight, caulkers sealed, or
"caulked", the seams between planks with hemp fibers (oakum); oakum-packed seams
were sealed with hot tar, or pitch. Tar was poured into the deck seams with a ladle.
$1,365.00
1334-28
Antique Model Ship in Bottle Presentation, The William Metcalf of Liverpool Date/Period: 1918
Measurement: Height: 5": width: 9"; depth: 3.25"
Material: Wood, glass bottle, thread, pony beads, paper and polychrome
Condition: Excellent, a few of the yardarms are tipped, else fine
Additional Information: Ship in a bottle, named “William Metcalf”. Rarely are ship’s in
a bottle dated, but this one is with the following inscription written on paper within the
bottle. “Four masted barque William Metcalf of Liverpool presented to him by father
September 8, 1918, hoping he will long sail the sea of prosperity.”
The aqua bottle features a star carved polychromed plug and remains on its original
stand. The fully rigged barque, “William Metcalfe” is displayed within a very active
detailed scene including a pilot boat, two sailboats (bow and stern), and a lighthouse.
$1,565.00
1334-34
Carving, Sperm Whale, Attributed to Boston Artistic Carving Co.
Boston Artistic Carving Ceased Operation in the late 1950’s
See Catalog, page 8, number F-12 Whale Date/Period: 1900-1950
Additional Information: The Boston Artistic Carving Company was established in the
1890’s and is mostly known for their eagle plaques. This fully dimensional sculpture
painted in black enamel is quite realistic. The carving is sold with a walnut display stand
which is likely original.
$1,700.00
879-134
Mackerel Plow, New England, Possible Maine Date/Period: Circa 1830-1880
Measurement: 9.5" x 2.25" x .5"
Material: Birch, pewter, and iron
Condition: Excellent, great patina
Additional Information: Fishermen generally had their own mackerel plows which
were of varied designs…this pierced example of scrolled design and large comfortable
open handle is inlayed with pewter ad retains its filed iron blade. Used by New England
fisherman aboard mackerel schooners to slice the fish.
$450.00
171-171
Sailor Ropework, Knotwork, Bucket Handle, Large Monkey Fist Knot Date/Period: 19th Century
Measurement: Rope length, knot-to-knot: 13.5", staves, 12” x 3.5”
Additional Information: Sailor bucket rope work. Amazing rope work attached to
original wooden bucket staves with large monkey fist knots. The circumference of rope
where piercing stave is wrapped in leather, the seam is stitched. Behind the monkey fist
is a large leather washer with sawtooth edge.
$385.00
1334-42
Blown Glass Fishing Floats, Pair Found in Gloucester Many Years Ago Date/Period: 19th Century
Measurement: Diameter: 5”
Material: Free blown glass, light aqua
Condition: Fine
Additional Information: These Closed balls were used to float fishing nets, also used
for covers on pitches, bowls, and store jars, thinner walled balls were produced for
packing, they were placed upon vases as a support for the rims during shipment. This
pair with granny note was bought perhaps 75years ago in Gloucester…the jelly label
states that: “they were old then”.
$285.00
879-147
Sail Makers Seam Rubber with Turks Knot Ornament Date/Period: 19th Century
Measurement: 4.5" x 1" x 1.75" (tool only)
Material: Lignum Vitae and tared marlin
Condition: Fine
Additional Information: Seam rubbers were part of a sail maker’s tool bag. They were used to smooth and
flatten the seams of heavy canvas sailcloth, where two pieces were joined, or the edges
were hemmed before they were sewn. This one is made from lignum vitae and features
a wonderful Turk’s knot made of coated or tarred marlin on a turned handle. Scratch
carved initialed “JW” are found on the edge. [Includes custom wood/metal stand]
$945.00
1334-30
Vintage, Pond Model Sailboat, Great Original Paint
1900-1925ish
Length:32.5"; height: 28.5"; width: 5.5"
Wood, paint, linen sails
A competently constructed pond boat having weighted full
keel. Yellow, green, and red paint is original and displays a good patina; mast, jib boom,
and main boom are varnished. Very good condition with minor sail and rigging
imperfections commensurate with age and use.
$585.00
492-227
Cast Iron Sperm Whale, Boot Scraper, Doorstop
or Sign: D. Baker – New Bedford
New Bedford, Massachusetts, 19th Century
An extremely rare hollow
cast iron sperm whale with lug feet
Cast into the verso: D. Baker - New Bedford
The Smithsonian owns one of these, they suggest that it may be a trade sign; boot
scraper or sign make more sense than does a doorstop considering screw piercing on
base. (Length: 22.5"; height: 5.5"; width: 2")
The words “BAKER NEW BEDFORD.” appear on the back of this cast-iron sperm
whale, which has two mounting lugs on the bottom for fastening to a flat surface. These
features suggest that it was a shop sign for one of the many stores in New Bedford,
Massachusetts that provided items to whalers needed for their dirty and dangerous
business. In the 1878 New Bedford city directory, the only person listed with the
surname Baker was Ansol Baker, a machinist. New Bedford was the largest American
whaling port in the industry, which flourished until the Civil War and lasted into the early
20th century. [National Museum of American History]
$5,600.00
1334-72
Antique Paddlewheel Boat Model, Marine Folk Art
Anonymous, circa 1910-1925
Original painted surface, mermaid figurehead, carved wheel covers
This really needs to be seen to appreciate the detail including glass windows (no losses
and some with a purple hue), two paddle wheels (one has a wooden piece missing that
we can have restored). At one time the boat was powered by a steam engine that was
accessed by the removeable top. Just a few other features are the wheelhouse,
lifeboats, benches, and interior stairways in the interior; the folky, oversized carved
mermaid figurehead. The carved paddlewheel covers feature a hunter and his dog (and
paddle) in a canoe. Minor imperfections displays beautifully.
(Length: 87"; width: 21"; height: 46")
$4,200.00
1334-31
Clark Voorhees, Finback Whale Plaque, Carved and Painted
Clark G. Voorhees (1911-1980), Probably 1950’s
Old Lyme, Connecticut and Weston, Vermont
An outstanding silhouette typical of Clark Voorhees distinguished tradition
The artist’s mark and C. Voorhees stamped on the reverse.
(Original untouched surface; length: 19”)
$3,125.00
1335-4
Antique Fireplace Bellows, Whaling Ship
American, 19th Century
Carved turtle-back bellows featuring hand painted ship flying American flag within rope
border against a painted ground. The handle displays a whaling harpoon and rope.
Original brass nozzle, leather, and brass upholstery tacks. Typical imperfections to
leather; screw added to back facilitating closure; displays well. (18" x 7.5" x 3")
$645.00
1310-54
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