This nautilus shell features a carving of the ship SS GREAT BRITAIN and an inscription outlining its cost, construction and launch in Bristol, England. Traditionally scrimshaw was carved on whale bone or teeth and produced onboard 19th century whaling vessels. However, this piece was designed in the style of whalers' scrimshaw as a presentation souvenir. Similar engravings on shells are known to have been sold by the artist in New York.