A finely carved and scrimshawed cribbage board fashioned from a single large section of walrus tusk, likely made by Native Alaskan or Inuit artisans for the whaling trade during the late 19th century, circa 1880–1900. The top playing surface is drilled for a three-track board and decorated with incised and inked scrimshaw scenes, including a whaleboat under oars, hunters with harpoons, sled dogs, and wildlife such as seals and caribou. The reverse is engraved with additional Arctic hunting scenes, depicting seals at the ice’s edge and distant landscape details. The piece features a fitted end cap carved from walrus ivory, which removes to reveal a hollowed interior containing six original peg counters (three light and three darker), likely carved from ivory and whalebone. The tusk retains a rich honey patina from age and handling, with natural cross-hatching (Schreger lines) visible in the grain. Historical Note : In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cribbage boards carved from walrus tusks became one of the most recognized forms of Alaskan trade art. Produced largely by Native Alaskan and Inuit artisans, these boards were created for sale or barter to visiting Yankee and European whalers who frequented the Bering Strait region. Cribbage itself was a favored pastime aboard whaling ships, and the game’s popularity ensured strong demand for these functional yet highly decorative pieces. Makers often adorned them with scenes of their daily lives — hunting walrus and seal, fishing, dog sledding, and navigating icy waters — blending personal storytelling with market appeal. This fusion of Indigenous carving traditions, introduced European game culture, and the economics of the whaling trade makes walrus ivory cribbage boards a unique chapter in American folk and maritime art. Today, these works are valued not only for their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal but also as tangible records of cross-cultural exchange in the Arctic during the age of sail and steam. Cribbage at Sea – A Sailor’s Pastime Cribbage has long been intertwined with maritime life, with its quick play and small footprint making it ideal for shipboard leisure. On long voyages, whalers played cribbage to pass time and maintain camaraderie. Owning a custom-carved ivory board like this was a mark of pride — a luxury item acquired in distant ports and carried home as a memento of adventure. Dating: Circa 1880–1900, aligning with the height of trade and souvenir production for visiting whalers in Alaska and the Bering Strait region. Dimensions: Length: Approx. 16 in. Width at widest point: Approx. 2 ¼ in. Provenance: The estate of Ron Lerch. Compliance Statement: Accompanied by a written compliance statement from Brian Witherell, Owner & Lead Evaluator at Witherell’s, certifying that the cribbage board is a bona fide antique, manufactured 1925 or earlier, and composed of worked walrus ivory integral to the original manufacture. The item qualifies for the antique exemption under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. Issued to assist in documenting lawful domestic sale; not offered for export. Note on Material & Legal Compliance: This scrimshawed cribbage board is constructed of worked walrus ivory, dated to 1925 or earlier and examined by Brian Witherell, Owner & Lead Evaluator at Witherell’s, with over 40 years of experience in the fine art and antiques field and 23 years as an expert evaluator on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow. The piece qualifies for the antique exemption under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. For U.S. Domestic Sale Only. Not available for export. This item qualifies as an antique under U.S. federal law. Possession of antique elephant or marine mammal ivory (including walrus) is legal in all 50 states; however, some states restrict shipment of such items into their borders. If you reside in California, Oregon, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Illinois, Hawaii, or the District of Columbia, we cannot ship directly to you — but you may legally purchase and pick up the item in Nevada (or have an agent pick it up for you). Buyers are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. Pick up & Shipping: Pickup & Shipping: Free Nevada pickup. Shipping via FedEx Ground: $20 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Very good for age. Patina consistent with late 19th-century origin. Minor age cracks, particularly along the natural grain lines of the ivory. Light wear to some engraved lines from handling. Pegs show slight variation in color and wear; one peg tip with small loss. End cap fits well and is secure.