Harry Yount

Fossil Walrus Ivory Scrimshaw – “Harry Yount: First Ranger” by Gary Williams (Garbo)

This remarkable fossil walrus ivory scrimshaw is a commissioned piece completed in 2013 by the late master Scrimshaw artist Gary Williams, known throughout the scrimshaw world as “Garbo.” It is carved into a historic Inuit ice axe artifact, blending cultural antiquity with powerful storytelling.

The scrimshaw features Harry Yount, the iconic first Yellowstone Park Ranger, a frontiersman, hunter, and Missouri Union Civil War veteran. Yount was wounded and captured during the war, later becoming one of the earliest advocates for wildlife protection in America’s national parks. This artwork honors his rugged spirit and legacy, preserved on a medium that is just as storied.

The fossilized walrus ivory used for this piece dates back to the late 1970s and measures an impressive 14 inches in length. It is set on a custom base handcrafted by Roger Cash, adding a museum-quality finish to the display.

This scrimshaw was part of Gary’s private collection, recently acquired and now offered for sale—a rare opportunity as Garbo is no longer with us, making his signed works increasingly scarce and sought-after by serious collectors.

This extraordinary piece is a fusion of frontier history, Inuit heritage, and world-class scrimshaw artistry—a true collector’s gem you won’t want to miss.

Come with its CITES documents.