Ivories....post them up...and what does the good stuff really look like?
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squidsix
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squidsix
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LEO918 that Commander is just perfect!
Cattledog48
Member
That pistol takes my breath away !
I have only two, ivory stocked revolvers. The first is a first generation SAA in .44 Russian/Special. The second is a 5 inch HE second model target. There have been some beautiful guns and stocks shown! Keep 'em coming!!! Randy
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It's all pretty stuff but IMO the best are sets cut from the same tusk, not all are usually in an attempt to get maximum yield as apposed to fewer sets of higher quality. Also and again just my take, the best is also clear of any defects, this is the rarest stuff. With that said the cracks are always unique and add great character right off the bat without the need that the clear defect free ivory can require to mellow with age. I'll post a few pics.
Some absolutely gorgeous handguns on this post but every time I see this 5 inch HE second model target my heart skips a beat. Beautiful.
SAFireman
Member
These two photos show the layered effect when you just get under the bark with the finished shape.
This is a shot of the walrus set above showing the crack from the side and the again from the butt to show the depth of this crack.
Man, there's a whole herd of pachyderms in this thread. These ivory grips were offered by the Ruger Collector's Association in 1982, with their logo scrimshawed on the grips:
They also had the logo engraved and gold filled by Ray Viramontez on the top of the frame:
And a more traditional set on this 1960 .357 SAA (not original to the gun):
They also had the logo engraved and gold filled by Ray Viramontez on the top of the frame:
And a more traditional set on this 1960 .357 SAA (not original to the gun):
StrawHat
Member
The ivory has yellowed with age and handling, just like stag does. I believe that any action that goes beneath the surface will expose white ivory.
I have polished these and my antler grips with a soft cloth and museum wax. I specify museum wax as it contains no abrasives. This merely polishes. If dirty, you get polished dirt.
(edit to add) I removed the ivory stocks and looked at the backs. The backs are much whiter than the visible surface. Same with my elk antler stocks. I believe the yellowing, mellowing, aging, comes from a mixture of the oils in my hands, the oil in my hair, sunlight and the various gun oils that get rubbed in from the natural handling of the revolvers.
Look at the photos in this thread that show the hidden side. The side not visible is lighter in all of them.
Kevin
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Wow, what a great thread and outstanding examples of ivory stocks! I haven't had the opportunity to add any ivories to my modest collection, but certainly would like to in the future. Question- Are ivory stocks as fragile as Mother-of-Pearl stocks? I have been cautioned against shooting my revolvers with MOPs installed, but it would seem that ivory stocks would be tougher. Are the cracks in the ivory just a result of aging and drying, or from use?
Also what are the thoughts on soaking ivory in mineral oil as a preservative method?...Does it prevent or maybe slow the cracking?...Does it stop or enhance the color change?...I'm ivoryless at the moment, but that's subject to change...
...Ben
OP
It would certainly be nice to learn more about it's traits.
So far I've seen older examples with no cracking or yellowing either so just aging doesn't jive right with me.
So far I've seen older examples with no cracking or yellowing either so just aging doesn't jive right with me.
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