Value of Ivory 1911 grips??

Retired W4 · Jun 10, 2014

I'm looking for the value of these genuine ivory grips. I purchased these from the widow of an Air America pilot who carried the gun in SEA in the 1960's. The gun they came off of is a Colt/Remington Rand arsenal rebuild (Springfield Armory). I think the grips were probably made in Japan or possibly Vietnam in the 60's, though I can't be sure. I am sure that they are ivory. I know no one will be buying the story of the source but that is where they came from. I also have other Air America items but they won't be for sale. If anyone knows the value please chime in. Thanks.

Muss Muggins · Jun 10, 2014

Won't be worth anything soon, because you won't be able to sell or even possess them. Search some of the ivory grip threads on this forum for more information.

ISCS Yoda · Jun 10, 2014

Okay, this is a thread hijack but I thought that the ivory ban that is either upon us or about to be does not affect older, previously owned ivory. Am I incorrect?

I don't think the provenance of the grips you're showing matters much - I like the concept of them coming from an Air America pilot from back in the day but you probably can't add much to the value with that history. I would have guessed they were worth a lot of money, like a grand or more, but I checked on line:

Elen Hunting & Importing Inc.: Premium Colt 1911 Elephant Ivory Grips {New Set Added 5-14-2014)

http://www.boonetrading.com/ElephantIvory1911.html

Looks like 350 to 400 dollars. I'm very surprised!

***GRJ***

Retired W4 · Jun 10, 2014

Thanks. That does help. I understand that the story doesn't add much. Thanks again.

Tom

Fishinfool · Jun 10, 2014

My understanding of the proposed ivory ban would allow you to keep what you have, but it would be illegal to sell it across state lines?

Anyway, with custom carved grips like that, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some may not like it, and value them less than a plain pair of ivories. Others may see it differently. I would think the story behind them, if documented, would add value, again, to the right person. I like them...

Larry

ISCS Yoda · Jun 10, 2014

The carving might add value; I didn't think much about that. Again, it will be to the right buyer and it's also a question of the gun - is it a barbecue gun or a shooter? Those things matter.

***GRJ***

Falguy · Jun 10, 2014

Old ivory grips in fair condition(best I can tell from the photo) might bring $250. I wouldn't pay that much but someone else might

Carved ivory grips? Someone might pay more than $200 but I would never consider it. The grips look too heavily carved to be practical. If the carving had been more elegant and subtle, I would pay $450 for them. Maybe a little more

Penmon · Jun 10, 2014

Are you sure it's ivory, 3 Ways to Tell Ivory from Bone - wikiHow

I lived in Taiwan in the 60's, army brat, my parents brought home a bunch of ivory carvings now mine. Most is Ivory but some is bone the Chinese also have a material they use in place of ivory that can fool all most anyone.

I do not see any grain, and the color looks off.

So if it is ivory I say $300 to $550 DEPENDING ON THE BUYER.

arjay · Jun 10, 2014

Smooth ivory run $3-$400 for a 1911.Carved would probably cost more,depending on desirability.

Retired W4 · Jun 10, 2014

Penmon said:
Are you sure it's ivory, 3 Ways to Tell Ivory from Bone - wikiHow

I lived in Taiwan in the 60's, army brat, my parents brought home a bunch of ivory carvings now mine. Most is Ivory but some is bone the Chinese also have a material they use in place of ivory that can fool all most anyone.

I do not see any grain, and the color looks off.

So if it is ivory I say $300 to $550 DEPENDING ON THE BUYER.

I had already performed most of the tests mention in the link and the indication keeps coming up ivory. The back side is somewhat rough cut (not polished) so it's difficult to see the grain there. Also the photos do not portray the color correctly. They are more yellow/amber in color with the age of them. I guess a professional evaluation or chemical test might be in order as long as it is not cost prohibitive.

Value of Ivory 1911 grips??

Retired W4

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