1979 Holiday Scrimshaw Angel

The 1979 Hallmark Christmas ornament is part of the Tree-Trimmer Collection and features an ivory-colored angel, made to look like a traditional scrimshaw carving, popularized by American whalers, who etched maritime scenes on bone and rubbed soot from lamps into the carving for color. Adorned with intricate tulip and heart details, her halo and wings are also perforated with holes along their border. Her skirt front is dated "1979" in the center, with "PEACE*LOVE*JOY" above it. The distinctive design reflects a vintage aesthetic, capturing the charm of late 1970s holiday decor. The copyright is on the underside of the base. The ornament is packaged in a box with a clear, plastic lid, green flocked velvet insert tray, molded for protection, and has a metallic-gold tag with blank gift card attached.

Fun Fact: Scrimshaw was invented in the 1800's, by sailors on whaling ships, when voyages lasted up to three years and they needed to pass the time between hunting whales. They carved images into whale teeth but also made useful tools for their wives to use at home, including pie crimpers, thread winders, and busks (stiff pieces of bone used to shape women's corsets).

Size

2.500" L x 1.959" W x 3.626" H

Material

Plastic and metal (eyelet)

Box Size

5.25" H x 2.25" W x 5.25" D