Description

Scrimshaw bodkin, in shape of hand holding a fid. Wrist with cuff holding 3 painted red bands at top of fid. Made by Josiah Robinson.  Robinson was a whaleman and scrimshander from Mattapoisett, Massachussets.  He served aboard the bark Cape Horn Pigeon, from 1869-1872.

In sewing, a bodkin is often used to punch holes into leather or pull a cord through a loop.