Featured beaded handbag/purse, ivory handle ?

UK law says you can sell pre CITES ban ivory, namely before 1947. You need to be able to verify age: in this instance, I think it's possibly 1930s, but the zip worries me. It looks post war, although the pull may have been added. You can't sell it on Ebay UK though. Given it was found in the UK, I'll lay odds it was made in Hong Kong, that beadwork looks typical.

 

So Charlie can legally sell it (other than on the internet) since it’s most likely pre 1947? I even thought it was older. So much easier than in the US. My estate will someday have to deal with my ivory jewelry as I can’t do anything with it here, it’s not old enough to be of archival interest and I don’t want to wear it.

 

My impression is they don't really want to have to police ivory, not because they don't care about elephants, but because how are they to know if African or Indian, antique or modern? They could demand that anyone who wants to sell ivory also show a scan of a certification making it legal, but they don't. Believe if you say it's 'antique', they take your word for it. E.g.:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/143080830862

So reports to eBay, who take down the listing & scold the seller, but do not try to prosecute seller? Have been told at a big antique jewellery show that at least one seller got hit with a large fine.

I regularly encounter ivory cameo listings of the wink-wink variety, although sometimes I think seller genuinely doesn't know. When they say it is resin but are asking $300, it's a bit of a tip off.

 

So true. In my opinion it’s a total crapshoot. Thousands get away with illegal listings everyday but some get caught and hammered depending on the item. Wink winks are done in all illegal categories but IMO it’s not something that should ever be suggested on a help board but that’s just my personal take. Remember I’m the one who chastised board members here over the use of a famous name unrelated to the actual item other than by look and “era”. I just don’t believe in keyword spam or selling illegal items but if one scrolls Ebay listings, I’m for sure in the minority.

 

I wouldn't advocate any "wink wink" listings either. They're too apt to take down even legitimate ones. If selling, local is definitely safer in this case.

 

Not sure how things are done in the UK.

Here in the US we have antique shows. Some specialize, as in Depression Glass, Ephemera, and also Antique Fashion.

If you have such shows there, it might worth your while to take it to one and sell it to a dealer who specializes in purses. They will most likely have a customer base(contacts) where it isn't actually sold in the public market.

Of course you won't get full value, you'll be selling it at about 1/3 retail.

 

Maybe I just wasn't seeing them, but seems only recently that I have been seeing ivory openly offered on eBay, like the inlaid clock in earlier link & this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/254270510486

Assuming an algorithm is doing the patrolling, seems to let some go, unless sellers managing to argue eBay into allowing. Maybe position is that they are not the seller, so sell at your own risk?

 

Here's the disclaimer on another listing for a small framed painting on ivory:

In accordance with eBay rules I guarantee that the paper thin African Elephant Ivory of this painting is far less than 5% of the total mass. Because of all the different international law pertaining to the sale of antique Ivory, eBay prefers and dictates that I not sell this 19th century Miniature Painting outside of the United States.

 

Interesting conversation and those in the U.K. are so much better off as sellers and buyers of ivory than we are in the US where almost all of it is illegal to sell.

Since those in the U.K. can buy and sell pre mid century pieces at markets there are definite outlets. We have none here and so mine sits in drawers.

I still think it’s beautiful and not wearing it isn’t going to bring back the animals but I’ve gotten too many nasty comments so I no longer put it to use which is that much more a waste.

 

I still buy ivory once in a while, but only if it's too cheap to pass up. It can't be resold, so it has to be something I can use as a gift.

 

Oh dear. I have ivory pendants, earrings .and a bangle bracelet. I had never given any thought to what my children will have to deal with when I'm gone. My daughter would never wear any of it, none of it is "her style". My son has a lovely petite wife who might wear some, but I don't think, much of it. Perhaps leave it to grands, if my son provides me with a granddaughter.

Linda

 

Probably best thing for it. The grandkids may be more appreciative anyway. People tend to pass off their parent's stuff as "stuff". Grandkids see it as cool old stuff.

 

Thanks for everyone's interesting comments

I think I bought it more as a learning experience, more than a money making venture

Never found any before so was more of a "oh so this is what ivory looks like"

Although the whole idea of ivory is pretty horrific, I can't deny the excitement of finding some

Next stop GOLD !!