Trash or Treasure?

Posted 10/17/15

Baleen: the precursor to plastic

As early as the Vikings, many peoples who hunted whales used as much as possible of the carcass. This included the blubber, oil, bone, teeth and baleen. Some species of whales such as North American Right …

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Trash or Treasure?

Posted

Baleen: the precursor to plastic

As early as the Vikings, many peoples who hunted whales used as much as possible of the carcass. This included the blubber, oil, bone, teeth and baleen. Some species of whales such as North American Right Whale do not have teeth but instead have baleen plates. Baleen is part of a unique filtration system which allows the whale to eat tiny creatures called krill and plankton. The baleen is a narrow fringed plate located on the whale's upper jaw. The whale draws enormous amounts of water which is pushed through the baleen filter, trapping the food.

The baleen is flexible and comparatively easy to work but is strong and impermeable. It is made of the same biologic composition as fingernails, hooves, and tortoise shells. Some baleen plates can be up to ten feet tall and can weigh a couple hundred pounds. When a whale wears one out, it grows another.

Early uses included hunting bows and tips of whips. When whaling was near its peak, women’s corsets, hooped skirts and umbrellas made use of baleen. When heated, baleen it can be formed into almost any shape and was even used to make eyeglass frames. Baleen is no longer legal for commercial uses and, like ivory, is something which is closely monitored by the US Fish and Wildlife Department.

Baleen products were big business and there are many unique antique pieces still around at affordable prices. This coin silver toddy ladle is from England and was made in 1787. It has a beautiful twisted baleen handle with a silver shilling embedded in the bowl. Many sell at auction in the $60-$300 range.

Karen Waterman is a fine art, antique furniture and decorative arts appraiser in the East Bay area and will answer as many questions regarding your “hidden treasures” as possible. By sending a letter or email with a question you give full permission for use in the column. Names, addresses or e-mail will not be published and photos will be returned if requested. Send e-mails (digital photos preferred ) to watermanappraisal@gmail.com. Send snail mail to Waterman Appraisal and Consulting Services, PO Box 134, Barrington, RI 02806.

karen waterman

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