Tag Archives: sailor tattoos

An Unfortunate Amalgam: Syphilis, Tattooing & Mercury

Posted on January 15, 2013 by

The late 19th century was an exciting time to be a tattooist in Europe and America. Foreign influences such as the beautiful and accomplished Japanese irezumi, combined with technological invention in the form of Samuel O’Reilly’s 1891 electric tattoo machine, … Continue reading →

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From the Storage Archives: “Mort Aux Vaches!”

Posted on July 8, 2012 by

Science Museum Object Number A544: Preserved human skin, tattooed with a series of patterned dots and crosses; initials and lettering in French; two hearts, including one pierced by arrows; and the head and torso of a man. Dimensions: h353mm x … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminology, From the Storage Archives, Museum Collections, Tattoo Iconography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

From the Storage Archives: The Unseen Sailors’ Tattoo

Posted on May 22, 2012 by

Science Museum Object Number A747 & A754: Preserved human skins, tattooed with a pair of eyes. Dimensions: A747 h137 x w88mm x d1.5mm; A754 h144mm x w86mm x d2mm* *Depth measurements are given at their thickest points. Date: c.1830-1900 Of … Continue reading →

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