Hove To For Pilot – Scrimshawed Sperm Whale Tooth by Gary Tonkin

Hove To For Pilot
Scrimshawed Sperm Whale Tooth by Gary Tonkin

“Hove To For Pilot” is an evocative and meticulously detailed scrimshaw piece by esteemed Australian artist Gary Tonkin, engraved on a genuine pre-1978 sperm whale tooth. This work captures a moment steeped in maritime tradition, bringing together art, seafaring history, and heritage in a truly unique collectible.

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Historical Provenance

The tooth originates from the Cheynes Beach Whaling Station in Albany, Western Australia, the last whaling station to operate in Australia before ceasing operations in 1978. As a pre-1978 tooth, it falls within legal and ethical guidelines for collection, sale, and export, and comes complete with all relevant documentation for lawful ownership and international shipping.

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Artistic Theme & Title

The title “Hove To For Pilot” references the traditional maritime practice where ships would “heave to” – slowing or stopping their forward progress – to receive a harbor pilot aboard. Tonkin’s engraving reflects the tense anticipation and readiness of vessels in transition, a fitting tribute to seafaring life and maritime navigation.

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About the Artist – Gary Tonkin

Gary Tonkin is one of Australia’s foremost contemporary scrimshanders, known for his precision, historical accuracy, and deep respect for maritime heritage. His work is celebrated for breathing new life into the classic art form of scrimshaw, often featuring historically rich and emotionally resonant scenes from the golden age of sail.

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Specifications

• Title: Hove To For Pilot

• Artist: Gary Tonkin

• Material: Authentic pre-1978 sperm whale tooth

• Origin: Cheynes Beach Whaling Station, Albany, Western Australia

• Weight: 243 grammes

• Length: 15 cm

• Export Status: Fully exportable with complete legal documentation

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Legal and Export Information

This piece is legally compliant under Australian and international regulations regarding marine mammal artifacts. It is fully exportable, and the sale includes official documentation verifying both its origin and legal status, ensuring peace of mind for collectors and institutions alike.

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Collector’s Note

With its combination of artistic craftsmanship, historical provenance, and full legal traceability, “Hove To For Pilot” stands as a distinguished example of modern scrimshaw. Whether for a seasoned maritime collector, a museum, or a nautical art enthusiast, this piece offers a rare opportunity to own a tangible link to Australia’s whaling and seafaring past, interpreted by one of the country’s leading scrimshaw artists.