Rare and unusual coconut shell and whale ivory chalice, American, circa mid-19th century. The bowl of the chalice is made from half a coconut shell. It has a gracefully applied whale ivory handle. The base is also made from the top of a coconut shell and is connected to to the top with a round post made from alternating sections of ebony and whale ivory. The is a threaded rod that runs from the bowl to the bottom of the base and is held together on each end with whalebone nuts. (SC 1325)
Condition: Excellent.
Dimensions: Height 5 inches, Diameter of bowl 3 7/8 inches.