Auction: Sale #2223 - 2223Location: BostonDate / Time: October 04, 2003 10:00AM
Description:
Whalebone and Marine Ebony Canine Walking Stick, late 19th century, the L-shaped marine ebony handle carved at base with the face of a dog, on whale bone shaft, lg. 36 1/2 in.
Note: The carving depicts the dog "Rover," owned by a sailor named Johnny Jones. Rover was the mascot to Jones's whaling ship which went to New Zealand c. 1880. Purportedly, one day while hauling in a large whale, Rover slipped on blubber, fell overboard, and, alas, was drowned. Jones was so distraught that he took a piece of bone from that very whale, and used it in crafting this stick.
Estimate $800-900