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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Scrimshaw with Three-Masted Ships
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Scrimshaw with Three-Masted Ships

Artifact IDMO 63.1969
Object Type Scrimshaw
Date before 1963
Maker
Medium Whale ivory, ink
DimensionsOverall H 5 in (12.7 cm)
Physical DescriptionEngraved sperm whale tooth featuring the starboard side of a three-masted frigate, flying the swallow-tailed pennant of a commodore at its masthead. Her guns are run out into open ports. Above the frigate is a coat of arms (?) of a fouled anchor over four flags and crossed swords underneath. The reverse is decorated with a frigate flying the long pennant of a government vessel in commission, surrounded by foliage. There are small red flowers and geometric designs along the bottom edge.
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)
Exhibitions
Not on view