Ivories....post them up...and what does the good stuff really look like?

Question- Are ivory stocks as fragile as Mother-of-Pearl stocks?

I can't answer all of your questions but I can answer this one; no, ivory is not fragile. It is very tough and durable. It is also fairly easy to work with if you want to shape or size grips. You will find tons of advice on the care of ivory grips, and I will not offer any. But Jim Alaimo, founder of Nutmeg Sports, once told me to wipe down my ivory grips with gun oil once or twice a year to help preserve them.
 
Mineral oil is best or so I've been told, not a lot just a drop or two rubbed in. The mellow patina the the beautiful old sets exhibit will be gone with the removal of just a few thousands. It is easy to work and polishes up quickly as long as you progress through the grits in order, miss one and you will only have to go back again increasing the chance of breaking a corner or edge down.
 
Engraved 3" Combat Magnum with carved Ivory stocks by John Warren:

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Karl - That has to be one of my favorite S&Ws!!! Very nice in the photos and even nicer in person when you displayed it in TX. :cool:

Thank you for posting it up on the forum.:D
 
I have had to clean the drool off the keyboard several times looking at these displayed beauties. I have been trying to buy a set of ivories for my Colt 1903/1908 for a couple of years now, but to no avail. Can anyone help?

John Boardman
 
Ajax Grips in Dallas...

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Maker unknown,

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Maker unknown,

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My first attempt at ivory, Back in the '80s

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Another attempt in '99...My rendition from an ol' picture of one of my Dad's favorite Shorthorn bulls.

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I did not carve this 'pair'...

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Several of my carry pistols wear ivory.
I inlayed a pair of Indian Head Pennies into these ivory grips.
The grain flows like running water.

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