Absentee bids let you place your maximum bid on an item before the live auction begins. During the live show, we’ll continue bidding on your behalf up to your max bid — just like leaving a bid with a traditional auctioneer.
When you place an absentee bid, the system sets the current bid conservatively — just enough to keep you in the lead without revealing your full amount.
The current bid shown on each lot reflects all confirmed absentee bids and updates automatically as new bids come in.
When the live auction starts, bidding will begin at the current bid. The auctioneer will continue bidding on behalf of absentee bidders up to their max bids.
Because absentee bids can arrive seconds apart, the current bid you see may not always include bids still being processed. Refresh the page for the most up-to-date information.
For our full absentee bid policy, please click here.
Antique undecorated sperm whale tooth with no scrimshaw or applied decoration. The tooth is a full, large example with a natural curve and visible longitudinal grain lines throughout the exterior surface. The tip is rounded and smooth, and the base retains the open root cavity.
Condition shows overall age-consistent patina and yellowing, with surface cracking at the tip end and along the base. The root cavity interior shows cracking and some material loss along the edges.