Around The Horn of History: Investigating A Matchless Maritime Relic

Megan Pinette of the Belfast Historical Society & Museum sits down with Elizabeth McLeod for a closer look at a fascinating lot featured in our upcoming Winter Enchantment Auction: an impressive scrimshawed powder horn bearing an image of the Belfast-built three-masted sailing vessel Ivanhoe, and the family record of this storied vessel's captain! Additional auction highlights include an exceptionally large and important assemblage of scrimshaw and other notable works within the Marine and Nautical Collection. Together, these offerings present a rare opportunity—anchored by this distinguished powder horn—and underscore Thomaston Place’s long-standing role as trusted stewards of significant Maine maritime relics, as well as its position as a national and international platform for museum-quality material newly entering the market.The entire Nautical Collection tells a richly layered maritime story, reaffirming the gallery’s commitment to preserving, presenting, and placing important Maine material on the global stage. Read more about this outstanding maritime scrimshawed powder horn and Carving a Captain’s Life—A Unique Family Record of a Maine Seaman Comes to Auction.About Megan S. Pinette Megan, who is originally from New York City, is a graduate of the Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, graduating with a B. F. A. in 1975. She moved with her husband, Dennis, to Belfast in 1983. Here they established a custom picture framing business and were both involved with the burgeoning art gallery scene in both Belfast and Rockland through the 1980s and 90s. She is currently President of the Belfast Historical Society and Museum and serves as curator of the Belfast Museum. She has been active with the historical society for the past twenty years and worked on such projects as “The Museum in the Streets” — the thirty interpretive panels set along the waterfront, downtown and residential streets, the two architectural and history walking tours, creation of exhibits at the museum, and coordinator of historical society programs held at the Belfast Free Library.Bid on HistoryDon’t miss your chance to own this outstanding work, plus an extraordinary presentation of scrimshaw during our Winter Enchantment Auction on February 21st, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM EST.Phone bidding and in-person registration are limited—secure your spot by calling 207-354-8141 or submitting a Phone/Absentee Bid Form.For bidding information, visit our How to Bid page, or contact us with any questions or inquiries.To gain early access and for information on other highlights, call 207-354-8141 to connect with us directly. Subscribe to stay informed on future announcements and the release of the full catalog.