Lot 002 - Antique Scrimshaw Whale Bone Framed Ambrotype Photograph of A. Burks, Harpooner, Inscribed "A. Burks. Harpooner of the Whaling Bark Kathleen 1884," New Bedford, Massachusetts, 3-5/8" L x 4" H

Antique scrimshaw whale bone photograph frame containing an ambrotype photograph of a bearded man in a hat and jacket, identified by inscription as A. Burks, a harpooner aboard the whaling bark Kathleen out of New Bedford, Massachusetts. The square frame is constructed of whale bone panels with engraved sunburst rays radiating from the central oval opening, surrounded by an engraved vine and leaf border. The photograph is set within a gilt brass oval bezel. A metal hanging ring is mounted at the top, and the reverse is backed with fabric secured by tacks.

The edges of the frame bear engraved inscriptions reading "A. Burks. Harpooner of" along one edge, "the Whaling Bark" along another, and "Kathleen 1884" along a third.

The Kathleen was a well-documented whaling vessel of about 195 tons, built for the merchant service at Philadelphia in 1844 and purchased by Captain James Slocum after a year in trade, then fitted as a whaler. Her first whaling master was Captain William Allen, and among her subsequent masters were Captain Charles Childs, Captain Daniel W. Gifford, and Captain Samuel R. Howland. She was described as a "lucky ship" and made many good voyages over her long career. She was almost entirely rebuilt only a few years before being fitted for a cruise to St. Helena in 1899. In September 1901, under Captain Fred H. Smith, she arrived in New Bedford in a disabled condition after spending three days on her beam ends southeast of Barbados. Further information on the Kathleen can be found at: https://whalesite.org/anthology/1902_Jenkins_Bark_Kathleen.htm

The photographic process has not been verified with certainty, as the photograph cannot be removed from the frame without damaging the original condition of the piece. The visible cracking pattern on the image surface is consistent with glass, supporting an ambrotype identification. The photograph shows significant cracking and surface wear. The whale bone frame has some chipping and minor losses to the panel edges. The display stand shown in photographs is not included.