The Proto 1941 by Gary Tonkin

Authentic Sperm Whale Tooth Scrimshaw

The Proto 1941 is a highly significant early work by Australian scrimshaw artist Gary Tonkin, completed in 1976 on a pre-1978 sperm whale tooth. As one of Tonkin’s very early pieces, it offers a particularly interesting insight into the development of his distinctive scrimshaw style and technique.

The tooth originates from the historic Cheynes Beach Whaling Station in Albany, Western Australia, providing the piece with an important connection to Australia’s whaling heritage.

Completed in 1976, The Proto 1941 by Gary Tonkin predates the 1978 cessation of commercial whaling in Australia and is executed on an authentic sperm whale tooth from this earlier period. At 550 grams (approximately 1.21 lb) and 170 mm (approximately 6.69 inches) in length, it is a substantial and impressive example of Tonkin’s early work.

Key Details

• Title: The Proto 1941
• Artist: Gary Tonkin
• Date completed: 1976
• Material: Pre-1978 sperm whale tooth
• Origin: Cheynes Beach Whaling Station, Albany, Western Australia
• Weight: 550 g / approximately 1.21 lb
• Length: 170 mm / approximately 6.69 in
• Documentation: CITES permit and Certificate of Authenticity

Documentation & International Shipping

The Proto 1941 by Gary Tonkin is accompanied by its CITES permit and Certificate of Authenticity, and we provide all necessary documentation relating to the piece.

The tooth can be exported internationally, with shipping arranged directly to the customer’s door. We take care of the necessary customs procedures and documentation, making the international purchasing and delivery process as straightforward as possible.

A Rare Early Work

As a piece completed as early as 1976, The Proto 1941 represents a particularly noteworthy period in Gary Tonkin’s career. Its early date, substantial size, provenance from the Cheynes Beach Whaling Station, and documented authenticity make it an especially compelling acquisition for collectors of Australian scrimshaw, maritime art, whaling history, and Gary Tonkin’s work.