Finding Buyer For Antique Ivory: Update

Just a quick update to my recent thread in regard to finding an auction house or dealer who'll buy antique ivory objects - just in case anyone is in a similar situation.

Without cast iron provenance no-one will touch it, and even if you have documentation the vast majority won't take it anymore. The specialist at Bonhams told me that within the next couple of years they expect it will become illegal to sell ivory of any age.

The upshot is, I'm stuck with a collection that I don't want, but that's what attics are for I suppose!

 

I have a friend who still wants it, but she's about the only one. I have a few pieces here, but odds are I'm stuck with them.

 

I don't have much...but I like the ivory I'm stuck with......mostly not elephant.

 

If I find pieces at reasonable prices, I still buy it.

 

I asked my local auction house (better quality stuff variety) and they would be happy to sell it. The firm is Fieldings Auctioneers of Stourbridge.

 

in that case then sod Auction houses then go private and try and sell it your self might take a lot of leg work and longer period of time ,

If your not in a rush for the money maybe the best way ,if you are you might be stuck with it I'm afraid ,

 

You could always be buried in your piano...

 

Curious... does this include walrus tusk?

 

That's whole other story......not one Elephant ever died for someone to make this.....



& the Canadian Inuit, and USA Eskimos are still culturally involved in the trade....
but yes...there are problems too.....

poached Alaskan tusks..below..

 

Me too.

 

If it's fossil ivory it's probably safe, just not on FeeBay. If the animal died before humans made that wrong turn at the land bridge it should be OK to sell. It's not like you can poach something that's been dead for 40,000 years.

 

Some dealers at antiques fairs in the UK are still buying Ivory, I sold some bits I didn't want anymore just recently, They were pin cushions and Ivory sewing antiques are still selling well.

 

So there is no law or few care about it?
If there is does it infer walrus tusk too?

 

yes there are still laws.....& Cites treaty requirements on certain items including tusks.
Did we have a thread about this once?
....ah...Ginko !!!

 

Here in the UK we can still legally buy and sell Ivory that is pre 1947, That will most likely change though and some antiques dealers are getting rid of their stock in anticipation of the law changing.
I am still buying Ivory sewing tools and I know I probably won't be able to sell them in the future, I'm buying them because I love them and its what I collect.
I suppose there will come a time when I won't be able to find any at all.

 

Would you say that because of the possibility of not being able to buyIvory is pushing the prices up?

 

Thats a good question, Maybe it depends on what it is, Ivory sewing antiques or any sewing antiques sell for good money here, I recently bought a little lot of mostly Ivory sewing stuff, there was a M.O.P tape measure and two vegetable Ivory items (I hate vegetable Ivory) in there as well, Each item came out at £12 each which is dirt cheap, I wouldn't mind finding more at that price but so far they are holding their price.

 

Thank you I'm based in England has well and have never touched ivory but was just wondering if now would be a good time to buy small pieces at a reasonable price especially seeing I'm always looking for small items to grow my online store ,

 

I expect the possibility of not being able to sell has a balancing effect. SinceI have no plans to sell I am buying when I can get something nice for a reasonable price, I suspect all colletors do the same.