Scrimshaw pendant from an estate sale

By kristinl5, 8 September, 2013
Description

I came across this scrimshaw pendant in the estate sale of a Nagel beverage company heiress in Idaho. The piece appears to be either ivory or bone, but I am thinking maybe ivory due to graining and yellowing of the piece. The artist has signed N. Clark. I found another piece from the same artist on the internet, but the ship's detail was more elaborate in that piece; which makes me think that this one may have been an earlier practice piece.

Can someone help me with artist information, approx. age, ivory or bone? Thanks

Category
General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium
scrimshaw on bone or ivory
Distinguishing marks
maritime scene of clipper ship with artist's name N. Clark
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
2" height and about 1 1/2 " width
Date Period
Not sure, my research has indicated earlier works from the 19th and early 20th century were not signed, but artists signing their works began in the 1960s. Maybe earlier piece?
History
found at an estate sale of a Nagel beverage company heiress, no other information provided if this person purchased from the artist or a vendor, or if this was passed through the family.
Price
make offer
For Sale?
Yes
Photos