VINTAGE CLAY POKER CHIP PIN SCRIMSHAW WOLF HOWLING MOON....$42.00
This interesting pin was created from a vintage poker chip.
It measures 1 ½” in diameter and is 1/8” thick. A metal pin back is
glued to the back so it can be worn as a pin. The image is of a
wolf howling at the moon. This is handcrafted original design which
is signed. I will include a text card which reads…
“This is a vintage poker chip that has been engraved with an
original drawing. Each chip is a one-of-a-kind and features handwork
where no two are alike. The technique is called scrimshaw. It is a
process where the lines of the drawn image are scratched into the surface
and ink is rubbed into them. Ink is then removed from the flat surface
but is left inside the line grooves which produces the black on white effect.
It is an old technique …popularized by whalers long ago on the high seas.
As a pass time they patiently scrimshawed whale tusks, their material of choice.
Black soot from lamps was rubbed into the hand-etched lines. Scrimshaw is a
traditional art from in many cultures.
Vintage “clay” poker chips are ideal for engraving in the scrimshaw style.
They hold delicate lines much like ivory or bone. They except ink well without
bleeding and are incredibly durable. This “clay” chip was created before 1935
(after this date a different manufacturing process was used).
Calling the chips “clays” is a bit of a misnomer. The first chips created
in the 1800’s were actually made of clay, but by the early 1900’s the chips
were made by mixing clay with different materials. They are still referred to
as “real clay poker chips” in the industry however. Each manufacturer had
its own secret formula. In many cases the chips were made from clay and shellac.
The composition material for this engraved chip is an early plastic
called Plaskon…marketed under the name “Breaknot” (because this material is said
to last a lifetime). It is wonderful material to work with, and no whales or
elephants were exploited to produce this artwork! That’s a lucky break for them…
may it bring you the same!”
I package this item in a handmade felt pouch, with the above text card…
in a handmade paper box.
look@brookinthethicket.com
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