From an unidentified fish or animal. Appears to be bone. Incredible display item. Filled top to bottom with full color motifs which came straight from the pattern books of tattoo artists of the period. Wonderful feeling of the time. Exquisite nautical and patriotic designs not seen on the arms of sailors and soldiers for a very long time. 44" Long Overall. Tusk or bone is a flat oval in cross section, with sharp edges, and tapers from 4" wide at top (hangs vertically) to a rounded point. Dated 1905, when we were still in the Philippines fighting Moro natives. Has a decorative metal finial capping the top end. Below this is a full length sailor holding flag, standing on buoy, with sailing ship in background. Running down from this is: spread eagle and billowing U.S. flag, horse head with wreath and butterflies, American shield with ribbon with "Liberty & Union" over stars and "forever", a U.S. battleship of the Maine and Olympia designs with scroll border, anchor/heart and cross with "hope", and lastly a fancy dagger as If shoved through the skin.

All artwork excellent and bright. Several stable, vertical age cracks down the length. Repaired at the top back with a brass plate where bone is missing. A truly remarkable piece of Americana and tattoo history.