Antique Baleen Scrimshaw Ditty Box

14471 This antique scrimshaw baleen ditty box is profusely decorated with numerous floral, geometric and various other motifs. The baleen panel from which it is fashioned, as well as the rim of its lid, overlap and are pinned together. There is an early wood engraving on the inside of the wooden bottom and the wooden top is covered with padded hand painted silk which is worn with age. The rim is held to the wooden top with brads, several of which are missing. Apart from the worn silk, the box is in very nice condition with very minor worm damage. ca. 1850. 7 5/8 in. x 5 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. high.