“HMS Investigator” – Original Scrimshaw by Gary Tonkin

“HMS Investigator” – Original Scrimshaw by Gary Tonkin
Pre-1978 Sperm Whale Tooth | 465g | 18cm | Legal & Exportable | Cheynes Beach Whaling Station, Australia

This exceptional scrimshaw artwork titled “HMS Investigator” is an original engraving by esteemed Australian scrimshander Gary Tonkin, meticulously carved onto a genuine pre-1978 sperm whale tooth. With a weight of 465 grams and a length of 18 cm, this remarkable piece captures the historic essence of the Royal Navy’s exploration vessel with precision and reverence.

The tooth was legally sourced from the former Cheynes Beach Whaling Station in Albany, Western Australia—one of the last operational whaling stations in the Southern Hemisphere—and is fully CITES-compliant, making it eligible for export from Australia.

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About the Artwork: HMS Investigator

The HMS Investigator is historically significant as the ship commanded by Matthew Flinders during his circumnavigation and charting of the Australian coastline in the early 1800s. Gary Tonkin’s engraving brings this iconic vessel to life in extraordinary detail, honoring its legacy in maritime exploration.

Tonkin’s mastery of scrimshaw—a traditional form of maritime folk art—makes this piece an exceptional addition to any collection of nautical art, historic artifacts, or whale ivory pieces. Every line is hand-etched into the enamel of the tooth, showcasing a blend of artistic skill and historic storytelling.

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A Legal and Collectible Work of Art

This is a pre-1978 sperm whale tooth, legally sourced before the international ban on whale ivory under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Its clear provenance from the Cheynes Beach Whaling Station ensures its status as both a legal ivory artifact and a highly desirable collector’s item.

This piece is exportable internationally, and we provide assistance with all required export documentation.

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Ideal For:

• Collectors of maritime and nautical art

• Scrimshaw enthusiasts and historians

• Museums and galleries curating legal whale ivory artifacts

• Investors in rare, legally sourced natural history pieces

• Buyers seeking sperm whale tooth scrimshaw for sale with verified provenance

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Why This Piece Stands Out

• Features original art by Gary Tonkin, a leading name in modern scrimshaw

• Crafted on a rare and legal sperm whale tooth for scrimshaw

• Strong historical narrative tied to British naval exploration

• Exportable, making it suitable for international collectors

• A unique blend of art, legality, and heritage

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In Summary

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to acquire a legally sourced, export-ready sperm whale tooth engraved with one of Gary Tonkin’s most historically significant works: HMS Investigator. Whether you’re a collector, museum curator, or an admirer of maritime history, this piece offers a unique combination of authenticity, artistry, and provenance.