Antique Scrimshaw Panbone Basket Masterpiece

Large antique scrimshaw panbone basket with swing handle circa 1875. A masterpiece of design and form, this is the finest antique scrimshaw basket we have ever seen. Constructed of thick 1/8" panbone with a reticulated pattern of circles and dots throughout basket and handle. Wood base faintly reads "Habana" suggesting it was made by a Cuban whaler. Provenance to the Howland whaling family of New Bedford, MA.
A smaller basket by the same hand is in the New Bedford Whaling Museum (#1978.30.288). This one measures an impressive 11" by 8" oval by 4-1/2" high. Swing handle adds another 5" of height.

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