Featured Bead - Antique?

I got this from the reseller's treasures with the thought of creating a necklace with it as a centerpiece. Before I do that, I would like to confirm it is an antique. Of concern to me is the precision of the hole.

Also I am open to design and material suggestions. Though I have beaded in the past, it was simple things like necklaces with cloisonné beads and alternating colored stones beads or spacers. The bead is 1 1/4 inch long and 3/4 inch in diameter. It weighs .4 ounce or 12 grams. I appreciate any comments or suggestions.

 

It looks like bone to me.
I cannot tell if it is "old" or not!

 

I agree, it is bone, Chinese, and not very old. There is no wear on the beadholes.
It would still look pretty as a focal bead on a necklace, but it won't have an antique feel.

 

Thanks. AJ. Scrap that project then. I’ll find something else.

 

Thanks. I appreciate your observation.

 

If it’s not old, how about using it as a key ring with some pretty beads above it or a handbag zip pull type affair?

 

Great ideas. Thank you. I’ll see what I can do. I need an interesting piece at the end of a pull chain for a ceiling fan.

 

Hi,
I think it was a scroll weight. I bought a 12 or so from Gumps department store in San Francisco back in the 1960s. Used them as fan pulls, key tassels etc.
greg

 

Excellent. Thank you.