Ahoy - Mac's Web Log

May 31, 2010

Dear sir,

I have enjoyed greatly reading the accounts of the CSS Florida!

Quick question, I am from Virginia, USA. A friend from NY state in USA purchased at a thrift store a bag of sea
shells which he later found to contain a whale tooth with carving.

click for bigger picture

click for bigger picture

It depicts on one side a battle of two sailing vessels and on the bottom of the drawing is "THE FLORIDA BURNS
THE JACOB BELL" The top has the date, "February 12, 1863.

The back has a portrait of the captain John Newland Maffitt.

How would I authenticate it? Under magnifying glass it is carved and a real tooth. It has some wear in the center where it would have been handled.

Thanks! Al Burnette

Al,

All I am able to suggest is compare this photo of John Newland Maffitt with your whale tooth portrait.

This picture of Florida disposing of the Clipper Jacob Bell may help by comparing it to your tooth's picture of that
action.

Another picture of this action.

The date of February 13 1863 is correct.

All in all I think your whale tooth with its drawings seems very credible.

Best wishes,
Mac.



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