Is it legal to sell antique ivory?

Ivory and horn “harvested” before 1975 can be traded internationally if there’s evidence of its provenance — but that can be as limited as a statutory declaration from the owner. Pre-1975 items can be sold domestically without any legal requirement to prove their age or provenance.

Is there a market for old ivory?

Arts and antiques are the leading sector for sales of antique ivory. The bill imposes a near-total ban on ivory trading, including antique ivory – no matter how old it is. If caught with antique ivory for sale, you could face up to five years in jail or an unlimited fine.

Can ivory be sold in the US?

Under Federal law, you can sell your African elephant ivory within your state (intrastate commerce) if you can demonstrate that your ivory was lawfully imported prior to the date that the African elephant was listed in CITES Appendix I (January 18, 1990). Some states have laws prohibiting or restricting sale of ivory.

How much is an ivory tusk worth?

That means that poaching — one of the biggest threats to elephants — is widespread and may be a bigger problem than we think. Poachers kill elephants for their valuable tusks — a single pound of ivory can sell for $1,500, and tusks can weigh 250 pounds.

Does ivory turn yellow over time?

Ivory is an organic material that quickly absorbs moisture. Over time, ivory darkens and/or turns yellow in color and develops surface coloring called a patina. This change is color is an indicator if its age and thus affects the value of the piece and should not be removed.

How much is a ivory tusk worth?

How do you whiten yellowed ivory?

Cut a lemon cleanly in half on a cutting board, using a sharp knife.
Hold a lemon half in your hand and use the salted, exposed side to scrub your yellowed ivory item.
Set the ivory item to the side to air dry.
Soak a soft cloth in clean water and wring out the excess.
Repeat the procedure if necessary.

Who is the best appraiser to buy ivory from?

As The Appraisal Group believes that a knowledgeable client is the best client, we offer you these guidelines on the ivory you have in your collection and the ivory you may want to purchase as a collectible.

Who are the experts in the ivory trade?

Ivory Experts consists of a group of art historians and appraisers with experience of many years researching famous ivory carvers, authenticating their works, dating ivory pieces and appraising their value. A crucial question today when considering selling, buying or shipping ivory to another State or Country is when was it carved?

How much does antique ivory cost in the UK?

Choose from 117 Antique Ivory For Sale – priced from £110 to £11,000. Choose from 117 Antique Ivory For Sale – priced from £110 to £11,000. JAPANESE IVORY & SHIBAYAMA TSUITATE -TABLE SCREEN IVORY NETSUKE OF MYTHICAL CREATURE – JAPAN STAUNTON IVORY CHESS SET, LATE 19TH CENTURY AFRICAN IVORY CARVING OF MOTHER AND BABY ULTIMATE.

Can you sell ivory in the United States?

The first thing you need to know is that fine art and antiques with ivory that are already in the United States can be sold domestically and exported only if there is documentation that verifies the ivory was harvested prior to 1976 or it was imported before 1976.

Where can I get an appraisal on an antique?

This type of valuation is most often provided at local appraisal fairs and presented on television shows featuring appraisals, like ” Antiques Roadshow .” Some local antique shows will coordinate appraisers to work on a panel for a day, providing quick valuations for a small fee.

How to determine the value of ivory carvings?

To see if your carving was fashioned from valuable mammoth tusk, look for a bluish tinge caused by thousands of years of exposure to minerals in the soil. Other types of ivory may still bring lofty prices, but mammoth tusk carvings remain highly collectible due to their rarity.