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Coconut Shell Engraving By British Sailor

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Maritime

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Coconut Shell Engraving By British Sailor

c. 1840, Ornate Hand-Engraved, Coconut Shell Cup, Faith, Hope & Charity Theme, With a Seated Britannia Representing Hope, Very Fine.
This original, 4.25" high by 4.5" diameter, Hand-Engraved Coconut Shell, was likely produced by a British sailor in his spare time while onboard ship, and is very similar to scrimshaw engravings done on whale bone. The shell has the engraved figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity, around the sides, identified by engraved panels on the bottom. In the space between these panels, there is a hand holding a dagger, looking something like the "Sword-in-hand" design used on Massachusetts Currency engraved by Paul Revere during the Revolutionary War. The figure representing "Hope" is a seated Britannia holding an anchor, with a ship in the background. The scene for "Faith" depicts Jesus in robes holding a cross and chalice. "Charity" is represented by a buxom mother with 3 children. There is a 3" crack through the Britannia panel and two .5" cracks elsewhere along the top rim. Otherwise this engraved cup is in quite nice original condition. A beautiful and unique piece of Maritime Folk Art.

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