£100,000 estimate put on elephant tusks art

Two elaborately carved elephant tusks are expected to spark a fierce bidding war when they go under the hammer in Shropshire and could fetch up to £100,000.

The scrimshaws tell the stories of an African slave forced to work the American cotton fields and a US naval hero who fought the British during the War of Independence. Experts at Mullock's Auctioneers predict bidding will be intense.

Mullock's, which is holding the auction on June 28 at Ludlow Racecourse, say they have rarely seen such fine examples of scrimshaws.

• See more pictures in our gallery to your right

Both tusks are thought to date back to the mid-19th century America, said Mullock's historical documents expert Richard Westwood-Brookes.

He said: "One of the magnificent scrimshaws tells a full story of an African tribesman who is seen in his village at the beginning of the succession of tableaux – scenes depicted by pictures.

"He is then captured with his wife and child by a slaver and taken in chains to a slave market where he is sold."

He added: "The story continues with him working on a cotton plantation in the Southern States – but he manages to escape and he joins the Union Army in the American Civil War. The final picture shows him in his Army Uniform with wife and child standing outside a new home granted to him as an emancipated slave."

He added: This is the finest piece of scrimshaw we have seen."

The second scrimshaw bears the date of 'Ship Hurricane 1857' and a number of images all on an American maritime theme.

Mr Westwood-Brookes added: "The reference on this scrimshaw is to Commodore McDonnough. This is Captain Thomas MacDonough who fought a successful campaign against the Royal Navy in the battle of Lake Champlain during the war of 1812.

Both scrimshaws have a guide price of £30,000 to £50,000.