Can ivory be sold at auction?
The law surrounding the sale of ivory is clear. In 1989 CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) banned international sale of new ivory, however, ivory can still be bought and sold if it fulfils certain criteria.
Can you sell ivory at a live auction?
Live Auctioneers is one of the few online platforms where you still see ivory items listed, however, auctioneers using the platform to sell the items sign an agreement that they must not offer for sale through the platform any product of an animal species that is protected as endangered, or threatened, under applicable, national, or local laws.
Where can I buy ivory before the ban?
Some auction houses like Sotheby’s in New York stopped accepting ivory items months before the ban, and eBay does not allow listings of any type of ivory at this time. Some states have rigorous laws that expand to other endangered species.
Where can I sell antique ivory jewelry in the US?
For a complete understanding of the de minimis requirement, which is more technical than is presented here, please consult the website of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or contact an agent by phone. If your antique jewelry fits this – it can be bought and sold in the US.
Can a family heirloom be sold with ivory?
Personal possession is OK, because a family heirloom can pass down within the family. This also applies if you have a vintage musical instrument that has ivory pieces or components. These items were made years ago, passed down in the family and aren’t a threat or a danger to today’s elephants. Can Estate Ivory Items Be Sold Within State Lines?
Live Auctioneers is one of the few online platforms where you still see ivory items listed, however, auctioneers using the platform to sell the items sign an agreement that they must not offer for sale through the platform any product of an animal species that is protected as endangered, or threatened, under applicable, national, or local laws.
Some auction houses like Sotheby’s in New York stopped accepting ivory items months before the ban, and eBay does not allow listings of any type of ivory at this time. Some states have rigorous laws that expand to other endangered species.
Is it illegal to sell antique ivory in New York?
It is illegal in most states to sell it without proof of what species the piece was obtained from, which area of the world it came from, and how old it is. Antique ivory, if proven to be so, is not illegal to sell. However, some states like New York say that it is illegal no matter what.
How old can a piece of Ivory be?
The novice seller, however, may confuse it with plastic or other substances used over time to simulate ivory such as bone or celluloid. For now, keep any documentation you have showing that an item made of ivory is more than 100 years old with the piece.
