How to identify Ivory

[wetdog]

Are there other ways to tell if Ivory is real besides the hot needle test and if so, reliable? I'll be looking at a set of grips on Tues. Thanks.

 

[sipowicz]

Bring an elephant...if it rears up, they're real.

 

[Hunt200]

Use the pin test and smell it as you do it. It should only leave a extremely small mark and smell like bone burning, like the smell when a dentist drills a tooth.

 

[fat tom]

Pin test is the easiest and surest for those who can't tell by looking. You might look for grain,yellowing,tool marks on the butt (tilt them from side to side to catch the light),slight cracking on the butt which will be darker color and resemble age rings. If you have some faux ivory,take them with you,the real ivory will be noticeably heavier. If they are pure white,better do the pin test. The seller shouldn't mind if he isn't trying to hoo-doo you. Do a search on here and look at as many pics of real ivory as you can to get a better idea.
f.t.

 

[Dashriprock]

Very good article on the subject here:

RIA News and Press

 

[fat tom]

Schreger lines! Ha! Learn sumpin' ever day.
f.t.

 

[wetdog]

Thanks all for the help. I should be good to go. I'm just glad there were other ways to do this. I don't think my Dodge Dakota can pull a trailer that size and weight, let alone getting permission from the zoo.(good one sipowicz)
I printed out the article to take with me.

 

[fat tom]

Just curious,but what is the seller asking for the grips? Are they magnas,or targets. K-frame,or N-frame?
f.t.

 

[wetdog]

The grips are on a gun I'm looking at. The originals are not with it. It's a K frame, square butt. I would have to say they are custom. There are slight finger grooves.
Gun is a .32-20 HE Model of 1905, 4th change.I'm going to ask if I can take some pics on Tues. when I go back to look at it.
Haven't talked price with or without the grips yet.

 

[rags]

Shoot a picture then send it to Sal?

 

[wetdog]

Pics

The hot pin did not sink in,but my concern is the third pic down. The screw holes look like wood. Also the left grip has finger indentations(not grooves like I thought) and a thumb rest. Also talked to Sal and sent pics. Thanks again Sal for the call and your help.

 

[David LaPell]

Bring a mouse, if they are real elephant ivory the grips will run away.

 

[diamonback68]

Those don't look like ivory to me, they look like some old style plastic.
Edited: Just remembered the name----Bakolite.
Plus, I've never seen ivories in that style.

 

[wetdog]

I've heard of Bakolite. I wonder if it would pass the hot needle test.

 

[cowboy45]

I believe the material was called Catalin. I have a pair for a High Standard auto.

 

[Onomea]

I, too, very much doubt those are ivories.

I don't think they are bad stocks, kind of period interesting to my eye, actually. But I would not buy as ivory.

 

[TheHobbyist]

Those are not ivory.

I seem to recall that Handejector had a post on similar-style grips, but that was over a year ago (?).

I'm sure more folks will jump in the dialouge.

Kind regards,

Hobbyist

 

[rimfired]

I believe the material was called Catalin. I have a pair for a High Standard auto.

Same material the Duke used on his faux ivory Colts. I've worked with a lot of African and Indian (different) ivory, that is not ivory. IMHO.

 

[rburg]

Send them to me with a self addressed return box (postage included). If I send them back, they're fakes.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Send them to me with a self addressed return box (postage included). If I send them back, they're fakes.

Thanks Dick. Still never afraid to step up to the plate I see!