Early Australian Aboriginal Fluted Boomerang c.1930s Navy Provenance 24" For Sale

Circa early 20th century / collected in the 1930's
U.S. Navy family provenance

Offered here is an unusual early Australian Aboriginal hardwood boomerang from a family collection assembled during the 1930's.

The boomerang measures approximately 24 inches long and approximately 3 inches wide at its broadest point. It has a strongly curved asymmetrical form with extensive hand-cut longitudinal fluting on the convex face and visible hand-working/adzing on the reverse.

The surface retains a dark aged patina with areas of reddish-brown coloration within and around the carved grooves. I have made no attempt to clean, polish, sand, oil, wax, or otherwise alter the surface.

This piece was acquired by my uncle during his service and travels with the United States Navy in the 1930's and remained in the family collection thereafter.

The boomerang was recently reviewed from photographs by Jim Elmslie, Aboriginal and Oceanic Art Specialist at Theodore Bruce sales in Sydney, Australia. Mr. Elmslie described it as a “lovely early boomerang” and provided an Australian sale estimate of AU$300–500.

Theodore Bruce did not physically examine the piece, and the above information is therefore presented as a photographic specialist opinion rather than as a formal certificate or authentication.

This appears to be the larger, non-returning type of Aboriginal boomerang traditionally associated with hunting and related utilitarian use rather than the lightweight returning form commonly seen as a modern souvenir.

Approximate dimensions:
Length: approx. 24 inches
Maximum width: approx. 3 inches
Please refer to the photographs showing the actual measurements.

Condition:
Very good antique ethnographic condition considering its age. There is expected surface wear, patina, old scratches, tool marks, discoloration and small age-related imperfections. I see no obvious major modern repair. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

The object has deliberately been left exactly as when it was acquired, with its original aged surface intact.

Provenance:
Acquired by the seller’s uncle during his service and travels with the United States Navy in the 1930s; retained by the family by descent.

This is being offered as an early ethnographic collectible with documented family history, not as a recently produced decorative or tourist piece.

Shipping:
The boomerang will be carefully packed in a rigid oversized carton with ample protective material. Shipping will include tracking and insurance appropriate to the sale value.

Please note:
Because attribution and dating of ethnographic objects can sometimes vary among specialists, buyers should rely on the photographs, stated provenance and the specialist opinion quoted above when making their own assessment.

Please feel free to ask any questions or request additional photos before purchasing. Best offers considered.