How much is a walrus ivory tusk worth?
True ivory walrus tusks can be hard to come by; and as of July 2011, those that are legally sold can be worth as little as $100 or in some forms as much as $50,000.
How does a walrus tusk compare to a whale Tusk?
By comparison, the root cavity of an authentic walrus tusk [Image #3] is deep and flat-bottomed. Walrus tusks grow much faster than whale teeth, and this cavity is filled with hair-like tendrils, which thicken and solidify. A tusk usually grows several inches each year, and can be worn-down nearly as fast.
Where can I find an authentic whale tooth scrimshaw?
About this time, Juratone of London, England, and a few other plastic products companies, mold-copied scores of authentic whale teeth, walrus tusks, and panbone antique scrimshaws. The original scrimshaws copied can still be found in whaling museums and private collections.
What’s the difference between a scrimshaw and a fakeshaw?
Remember that true scrimshaw is unique (truly one-of-a-kind), while fakeshaw has virtually thousands of copies of each mold-impressed design. Various tests for plastic have been published, such as the “hot needle” test, the “match” test, and viewing fakeshaw under black (ultraviolet) light.
How often does a whale Tusk get worn down?
A tusk usually grows several inches each year, and can be worn-down nearly as fast. In contrast, the base cavity of most fakeshaw [Image #4] is shallow & rounded. Note the discoloration of the cavity, which is from dye immersion to simulate patina on the outer surface.
Is it legal to buy a walrus tusk in Alaska?
* Walrus are regulated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act. Raw walrus ivory predating the Dec. 21, 1972 law, tusks bearing the Alaska state walrus ivory registration tags or post-law walrus ivory that has been carved or scrimshawed by an Alaskan native (Eskimo) are legal to buy, possess, and sell.
Where can I find a walrus tusk replica?
Look up “Scrimshaw” and “Walrus tusk” on ebay…you will find hundreds of cast replicas. Some really look good to the non-expert. They are a cast resin with a rock powder added. It really looks and feels like a real tusk. Look down the nerve root and you can usually see that there are small pits and bubbles.
What kind of animal is a scrimshaw made of?
But scrimshaw also includes engravings on skeletal whale bone–such as the jaw bone, called panbone–and ivory from other marine mammals such as walrus. Although scrimshaw is widely associated with nautical themes and designs of the 19th century whaling industry, vintage scrimshaw was also produced as tribal art in many cultures.
Who is the artist of scrimshaw in Alaska?
All of the art work on our products is done by award winning Alaskan artist Dennis Sims. Dennis has been practicing the ancient art of Scrimshaw in Alaska since 1976.”
