Scrimshaw Addiction

Mackrel Scrimshaw

This is a self-portrait I Scrimshawed back in 1995. This fish is called a “Spanish Mackrel” or nicknamed “Big Mack”. The Ivory is a nice Sperm Whale tooth. It weighs 250 grams and measures 60mm wide x 120mmhigh.

It’s unusual to get a Big Mack as they usually cruse near the top and when spearing, you usually look down, searching for Coral Trout. I just caught sight of this one out of the corner of my eye and was lucky enough to pull my gun up in time to take a shot.

The spear hit it and fell out. I thought I’d lost it but then it started to shake and spiral downward. I was able to swim down and catch it by the gills. I had broken its spine. I still count that as a solid catch.

The Scrimshaw

I don’t have any progressive pictures as I didn’t photograph it or document all the details back then. The process of making it was just like the more recent walkthroughs except without colour.

1) Polish the Ivory

2) Attach the picture and cut around the outline and prominent features

3) Apply black oil paint to the etched sections

4) Fill in the darkest areas, then move onto the light parts. If you do it the other way around the shading and colours will become contaminated

The Base

The base is made from Snakewood with an Ivory name plate attached using Sterling Silver pins.

The Finished Piece

This picture shows the finished Scrimshaw on its stand.

The End.

Contact Rod: randclacey@bigpond.com