19th C. Scrimshawed Bone Cup, Anchor and Flags woman with children I love its clunkiness

I love its clunkiness

This red cross was the logo of the 6th Corps 1st Division of the Union army during the Civil War

where the canvas shows through in some areas

and also the carving's thinness--not much more than a silhouette treading stealthily along his base

In my ideal world

19th C. Scrimshawed Bone Cup, Anchor and Flags woman with children I love its clunkinessI believe this was made as a spirit cup and dates to the Civil War era, based on a few others I have turned up that are similar. And I believe it is French flags that are cross the anchor at center, with finials evoking the fleur de lys representing the French navy. Likely made by a sailor aboard a ship, and, despite a rim chip on one side, quite a lovely thing, which would make a great dice cup now. 2 1 2" t x 1 3 4." Chip to the rim as documented