Maya Ellison
Scrimshaw is an American folk art form in which designs are etched into ivory or bone, then coloured with ink. Scrimshaw reproductions may take several forms, including new carvings on genuine ivory or bone with the deliberate intent to create an antique, new carvings on genuine ivory or bone sold as signed and dated contemporary art, and mass-marketed, unmarked synthetic replicas. The majority of synthetic scrimshaw reproductions are made of manufactured polymer resins, or plastic. To tell if scrimshaw is made of bone or plastic, you can use a scrimshaw magnifying glass to examine the piece, keeping in mind that plastic items will look completely smooth, whereas real ivory will have a grain. You can also perform a hot pin test by heating a pin until it's almost red-hot and touching it to an inconspicuous part of the item. If it's plastic, it will melt, but if it's bone, it will smell like burning bone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface smoothness | Plastic items will be completely smooth, while real ivory will have a grain. |
| Colour | Real ivory will turn yellow with age. |
| Smell | Bone smells very different from ivory when a hot pin is placed on it. |
| Ultraviolet light test | Plastic will appear a dull matte blue under black light. |
| Pores | Bone has pores (Haversian canals) that blood flows through, while ivory does not. |
| Origin | Scrimshaw is typically made from whale ivory or bone. |
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What You'll Learn
Examine the scrimshaw under a magnifying glass
When examining scrimshaw under a magnifying glass, there are several key characteristics to look out for that can help determine whether the piece is made from bone or plastic. Firstly, authentic ivory, such as whalebone, cartilage, or walrus tusks, will exhibit a visible grain when inspected under magnification. In contrast, plastic items will typically appear completely smooth, lacking the grain-like structure of bone.
Another distinguishing feature is the presence of natural aging indicators. Given the historical nature of scrimshaw, genuine ivory will often exhibit signs of aging, such as a yellowing colour. Under magnification, you may also observe aging in the form of natural cracks or "age cracks." It is important to note that plastic reproductions may also exhibit simulated age cracks, which can be identified as lines or furrows cast into the plastic rather than genuine, sharp, deep cracks.
Additionally, when examining the scrimshawed design itself, you may notice differences between bone and plastic surfaces. The ink in scrimshaw absorbs into the ivory, and mistakes or alterations may leave a rough surface under strong magnification. The natural fractures in ivory caused by engraving will also appear rough and grippy under magnification, contributing to the unique characteristics of each piece.
Examining the scrimshaw under a magnifying glass also allows for a detailed inspection of the material's surface finish. A genuine piece of scrimshaw should have a slick-as-glass appearance before the scrim work begins. Any inconsistencies or irregularities in the surface finish may indicate the use of plastic or other alternative materials.
By carefully studying the surface characteristics, aging indicators, and design details of the scrimshaw under a magnifying glass, you can gain valuable insights into the authenticity and composition of the piece. These visual inspections, combined with other tests and expert comparisons, can help to accurately determine whether the scrimshaw is made from bone or plastic.
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Perform a hot pin test
The hot pin test is a commonly used method to determine whether scrimshaw is made of bone or plastic. The test involves heating a pin until it is almost red-hot and then touching it to an inconspicuous part of the item being tested. If the pin scorches the item and emits a burning bone smell, it is likely made of bone. On the other hand, if the pin causes the item to melt and gives off a burning plastic smell, it is likely made of plastic.
While the hot pin test can be useful, it has limitations and may not always provide accurate results. Firstly, the pin must be red-hot at the exact instant it comes into contact with the item. If the pin is not hot enough, it may not melt or burn the plastic, leading to false results. Secondly, the tester must know how to interpret the results correctly. The hot pin test cannot distinguish between ivory, bone, and plastics mixed with bone meal, which is a common ingredient in fake scrimshaw designed to mimic the appearance and feel of genuine bone.
To address these limitations, it is recommended to use alternative testing methods in conjunction with the hot pin test. One such method is the emery board test, which involves using an emery nail file to create a small deposit of dust particles from the item. Smelling the residue can help determine its composition, as plastic will have an acrid to sweet smell, while bone will have a burnt bone smell. Another effective test is examining the item under a moderate-power microscope, where plastic scrimshaw will exhibit small round air bubbles, while real ivory will appear perfectly smooth.
It is important to note that the hot pin test may damage or char the scrimshaw item, so it should be performed with caution and only on an inconspicuous part of the item. Additionally, this test may not be suitable for differentiating between different types of bone, ivory, or baleen, as these materials can be challenging to distinguish even with microscopic examination.
In conclusion, while the hot pin test can be a quick and simple method for testing scrimshaw, it should be used in conjunction with other testing methods and careful interpretation of results to ensure accuracy and avoid potential damage to valuable items.
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Use a black light test
One of the most accurate ways to tell if scrimshaw is made of bone or plastic is to use a black light test. Under long-wave ultraviolet light, real bone and ivory fluoresce very white, often with a blue-violet tinge. On the other hand, virtually all plastics will absorb long ultraviolet light and appear a dull matte blue under black light. Therefore, if the scrimshaw appears white or blue-violet under a black light, it is likely made of bone, but if it appears dull matte blue, it is probably plastic.
It is important to note that this test is designed to detect mass-produced plastic scrimshaw fakes, not individually crafted forgeries on old bone or ivory. Additionally, new carvings on genuine bone or ivory may be created with the intent to make them appear antique, so further testing may be necessary to determine the authenticity of a piece.
Another factor to consider is the surface colour of the scrimshaw. Natural bone and ivory appear white to yellowish-white under long-wave black light, regardless of their surface colour in white light. Therefore, if the scrimshaw appears within this colour range under black light, it may be made of bone or ivory.
In summary, a black light test can be a useful tool for distinguishing between bone and plastic scrimshaw, but it may not always be definitive, and other tests or factors may need to be considered for a comprehensive assessment.
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Check for saw marks and cracks
When examining a scrimshaw piece for saw marks and cracks, it is important to remember that scrimshaw is an American folk art form where designs are etched into ivory or bone, then coloured with ink. The most commonly faked scrimshaw is the sperm whale tooth, and the latest generation of plastic copies has become quite similar in appearance to 19th-century originals.
To check for saw marks and cracks, use a scrimshaw magnifying glass to examine the piece. Plastic items will look completely smooth, whereas real ivory will have a grain. You can also perform a "hot pin test" to check for authenticity. Heat a pin until it is almost red-hot, then touch it to an inconspicuous part of the item. If it scorches and smells like burning bone, it is likely authentic. If it is plastic, the pin will melt into the piece and emit the smell of burning plastic.
Additionally, when examining the inside of a scrimshaw tooth, you may find signs of natural aging, such as pits and grooves left by blood vessels. These signs of aging can also be indicators of authenticity.
It is worth noting that even if a piece is determined to be made of bone, it may not be an antique or original work. There are places where new scrimshaw can be purchased, and fake antiques, though made of real bone, may not be genuine antiques.
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Assess the condition and colour of the scrimshaw
When assessing the condition and colour of scrimshaw, it is important to remember that scrimshaw is often crafted from whale teeth, walrus tusks, or bone. These organic materials are susceptible to environmental factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure. Over time, they can become brittle, discoloured, or develop cracks. Therefore, proper storage conditions are crucial. Museums and collectors ensure that scrimshaw items are kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Regular inspections help identify signs of damage, allowing for timely conservation efforts.
If your scrimshaw is made of bone, it will be more fibrous and porous and may require treatment with light, clear mineral oil. After oiling, seal with a high-quality wax. Most oil and dirt can be removed from the surface with a gentle dusting or wipe using a soft, clean cotton cloth. However, sometimes the debris can be stubborn, and you may need to use a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol.
The colour of scrimshaw can vary depending on the material used. Hippo ivory, for example, has a smooth cream-coloured appearance with a very fine grain. Whale bone was ideally suited for scrimshaw as it was easy to work with and plentiful. However, due to conservation efforts, the use of whale ivory is now strictly regulated. Artists and collectors must navigate legal and ethical boundaries when acquiring and displaying scrimshaw. Contemporary scrimshaw artists opt for sustainable alternatives, such as mammoth or walrus tusk.
The value of scrimshaw is influenced by its condition, with well-preserved pieces being particularly prized. Therefore, it is essential to take preventative measures to keep your scrimshaw in good condition if you plan on preserving it as part of your collection.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic scrimshaw will look completely smooth under a magnifying glass, whereas bone scrimshaw will have a grain.
Plastic will appear a dull matte blue under black light.
Antique scrimshaw will have a yellow tinge. You can also perform a "hot pin test" — heat a pin until it's almost red hot and touch it to the scrimshaw. If it's plastic, the pin will melt into the scrimshaw and emit a burning plastic smell. If it's bone, it will smell like burning bone.
Bone scrimshaw is usually more fragile and prone to damage.
Yes, ivory will have a very distinct smell when you place a hot pin on it. Bone will smell very different.
