Featured Ivory information/legislation

I was prompted to add this thread as a means of clarification and current legislation regarding Ivory. There's been a lot of conflicting news & advice about vintage & antique Ivory here in England, in terms of what you are allowed to own, sell and purchase. I also recall Ruby Lane (USA) completely banning all Ivory items being listed. Further rumours suggested that eBay would follow suit and a lot of worry amongst collectors that even Antique examples could be confiscated by law enforcement including museum items which of course would be totally insane!

The following 2 links give current advice for both USA and UK

How Will the Ivory Ban Impact Antiques You Own? (thesprucecrafts.com) (USA)

Can You Sell Ivory Antiques At Auction In The UK? (wheretosell.co.uk) (UK)

It would be wise for those who are uncertain, to read the above links. I am sure that some will not know, that a mounted or an unworked piece of Antique Ivory (no matter if it belonged to your Great Grandparents) can only be admired. It cannot be sold legally, or carved into a chess set for example.

(Pinterest - Google Images)​

 

Interesting!!! There’s a scrimshander on Nantucket, MA who, IF I’m correct in what I read about him, thinks and believes totally OTHERWISE!!!!

 

Interstate ivory sales are prohibited,but there are only 11 states which ban ivory sales in state..... https://www.aaps-journal.org/Fossil-Ivory-Legislation.html

 

I've noticed a lot of sellers skirting that issues by describing items as "bone". Personally I feel the laws are very unreasonable, as documented antique items are not exempt. They should be grandfathered in, since the collecting of ivory was not illegal when they were produced. (Of course it should have been but that's a whole different issue). I have had museum and auction house staff tell me that they are having to remove piano keys and ivory insulators from tea sets in order to deaccession and sell them. This just adds insult to injury.

 

Why would anyone ban Camel Bones?

 

I’ve got an ivory carving in the loft that I bought in the very early eBay days.
I have no idea how or if I could prove it was made pre 1947 even if it was. I don’t intend selling it anyway although at some point I will dust it off and post it on here for opinions. When I can find it that is......
I do have some lovely ivory beads and a bangle that will stay with me but I see ‘bovine’ being advertised on eBay frequently. I suspect the bots now are picking out the word bone as well as ivory and not letting those items get listed.

 

I find THAT going beyond SANE and REASONABLE!!!!!

 

Maybe because some of these “officials” can’t tell the difference between a camel bone and real ivory!!!!!

 

Regarding legislation, it is always best to check your own state government site for the latest information.
Other sites give some very good information, but that may not always apply to where you are, and it isn't always up to date.

Blame it on those camels. They have become more aware of their predicament over the last few years, and have been lobbying governments for a ban.

 

And they're getting quite serious about it.

 

I had heard about that, but actually seeing it!! Those people had better watch out. And there is another one in the background, probably more behind it.

 

This seller just doesn't say anything but it looks suspiciously like ivory to me...


https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Vtg-A...ved-Bead-Victorian-Jewelry-lot-i/353390131550

 

Yes, I see beads with ivory striations.