Rare Early Slate Art from Iolani Palace “Dolphin” Engraving – Post-1946 Fire Era

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Rare Early Slate Art from Iolani Palace “Dolphin” Engraving – Post-1946 Fire Era:
$499.00

Rare Early Slate Artwork from Iolani Palace – “Dolphin” Engraving – Believed to Date to Post-1946 Fire Artisan Era

This is an exceptionally rare and historically significant artifact — a hand-engraved slate roof tile from the original rooftop of Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii. The piece features a beautifully fluid engraving of dolphins swimming through waves, scrimshaw etched directly into the centuries-old slate that once crowned the only royal palace in the United States.

What sets this piece apart is not only its craftsmanship, but also its likely origin in the earliest known artisan reuse of Iolani Palace slate — well before the commercialized engraved tile projects of the late 1970s–1980s.

This piece is from an owner who purchased it from an estate in Honolulu Hawaii.

• Back Inscription Reads:

“Dolphin – Old Slate Roof Tile from Iolani Palace, Honolulu – 3/80”

Based on the patina, engraving style, and format, “3/80” is believed to refer to Piece 3 of a small, early edition of 80, not the date March 1980.

• Historical Context:

In 1946, a fire damaged parts of Iolani Palace, especially the roof area. During post-war repairs and termite remediation, many original slate tiles were removed and quietly salvaged.

It is believed this piece was engraved by an early artisan or preservationist involved in post-fire recovery work, likely during the late 1940s to 1950s, before the formal restoration movement began in the 1960s–70s.

• Distinguishing Features:

• Deeply hand-etched with traditional tools — not rotary or modern Dremel tools

• No artist signature, suggesting it was not created for mass sale, but perhaps as part of an internal effort or limited commemorative batch

• Back label with vintage handwriting: “to keep clean dust with duster and avoid handling face of slate” — aged paper and ink consistent with mid-20th century materials

Dimensions: approx. 10” wide × 7” tall × 0.5” thick

Condition: Excellent antique condition; no cracks. Natural surface wear as expected for original slate.

A rare opportunity to own a piece of Hawaiian royal heritage, possibly created by someone who stood on that very rooftop in the years following WWII. A true collectible for historians, Hawaiiana enthusiasts, and preservation collectors.

sale!