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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Scrimshaw of a Ship and a Woman
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Scrimshaw of a Ship and a Woman

Artifact IDMO 63.1977
Object Type Scrimshaw
Date before 1963
Maker
Medium Whale bone, polychromy
DimensionsOverall H 7 in (17.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionEngraved whale tooth depicting the starboard side of a frigate, a three-masted ship, under full sail with guns run out ready for action on the front. The reverse is etched with a woman dressed in 19th century clothing holding an 1818 American flag and standing on a fouled anchor. She is possibly a personification of Commerce or Prosperity. In the background, a ship is flying the ship owner's house flag from the masthead.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem is from the personal collection of President and Mrs. Kennedy. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Personal Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view