A scrimshaw whale's tooth
American, 19th century

6-1/4 in. (15.8 cm.) length.

ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.

If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.

From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.

For all Sales categories excluding Arms & Armour, Coins and Medals, Motor Cars, Motorcycles, Wine & Whisky

28% on the first $50,000 of the hammer price;
27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of $50,000 up to and including $1,000,000;
21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of $1,000,000 up to and including $6,000,000;
and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of $6,000,000.

A 3rd-party bidding platform fee (the "3rd-party bidding platform fee") equal to 4% of THE BID PRICE shall be payable by buyers whose successful bid is submitted via 3rd-party bidding platforms, including Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.

Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit, charge or debit card for returning clients only. Please note that the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited.

Los Angeles & New York Auctions

If you have requested a shipping quote, we will send this to you via email within 5 business days of the auction ending.

Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. If your purchase is time sensitive, or you wish to explore other options, please see our list of alternative third party shippers in New York and Los Angeles who may be able to assist you.

Oversized Lots

Please note that all lots marked with a W in the catalog are oversized and subject to additional storage and shipping methods. All additional lots purchased with W lots are considered group lots and will be subject to the same terms as W lots.

W Lots will be transferred to offsite storage at DTD Fine Art Services at the buyer's risk and expense within five (5) business days following the auction. Please contact the Client Services team at bids.us@bonhams.com for the exact movement date.

The per-lot charges levied by DTD Fine Art Services are as follows (plus any applicable sales tax):

FURNITURE/LARGE OBJECTS
Transfer .................. $75
Daily storage........... $10
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%

SMALL OBJECTS
Transfer ................. $37.50
Daily storage........... $5
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%

Please note property is also subject to a Cross Dock Release Fee ($25 for Smalls and $45 for Furniture and Large Objects) & if charges are paid with a credit card, Door to Door Fine Art Services will charge a 3% Convenience Fee.

If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services team.

Boston & Marlborough Auctions

Please click HERE for detailed collection and shipping information for Boston and Marlborough auctions.