Antique Sailor Made Scrimshawed Ruler and Presumed Busk Fragment slip painted pottery very lovely thing-- a gift

very lovely thing-- a gift to a Betty S

He did not manifest great force of character in gaining a livelihood but was so perservering in his efforts to gain attention and affection that he was readily granted a home and all that he required

and beautiful tiny thing

an early American set

Signed on the bottom "Lapid Israel" and "D"

Antique Sailor Made Scrimshawed Ruler and Presumed Busk Fragment slip painted pottery very lovely thing-- a giftI'll never resist a handmade ruler, all the more so a sailor whaler made one, this one measuring seven inches. I found it along with what I believe is a fragment from a busk a common form for scrimshawing, to bring home to wives and sweethearts for use in corsets. The decoration on this one is minimal, but very fine, perhaps meant for a name to be engraved inside of it. Earlier than later 19th century New England I believe, lovely things. Ruler