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Contact: Chief Ranger, Bob Grant, 508-957-0735
Cape Cod National Seashore Superintendent George Price announced today that two pieces of scrimshaw were recently stolen from a locked case in the museum exhibit at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. One piece is a 22" walrus tusk with the engraving, "Ship. Wm. Thompson" and the other piece is a 3 1/2" carved piece of carved walrus tusk in the shape of a walrus head. Both pieces are extremely beautiful and valuable. The park curator has notified members of the scrimshaw collector community to enlist their help in recovering these national treasures. The national seashore had displayed the two pieces at the visitor center since 1989. Superintendent Price lamented, "These wonderful pieces of maritime art belong to the American people and we are cooperating with a number of law enforcement agencies to search for them. It is unfortunate that, for now, these scrimshaw pieces will not be available for viewing, although numerous other scrimshaw items remain on display." The museum will stay open during the investigation. Price added, "The National Park Service has over 121 million items in its collections nationwide and these incidents of theft are extremely rare." Anyone having any information regarding the theft is asked to contact Chief Ranger Bob Grant at 508-957-0735. ### |
Last updated: February 26, 2015