Ivory grips

[opr1945]

I have seen ivory grips, on old revolvers, that have yellowed with age.

How long does it take for the ivory to yellow? Does it vary with type of ivory? Probably how light they have been in is also a factor? anyway to estimate age from degree of yellowing?

thanks for any info or comments.

 

[VaRecon]

Different kinds yellow faster, good quality elephant stays white for longer then one will own it if treated well.
Not sure of too much in depth info.

 

[H Richard]

It all depends. If you would shoot it frequently, the oils in your skin and the shooting residue you rub into them will have them age faster. If they are on a safe queen, they will remain very white for a long time.

 

[DGT]

My wife's father was stationed in Burma during WWII. He brought back an amazing collection of ivory. It is all displayed but seldom handled. All the pieces are still almost pure white. These pieces are over 70 years old.

 

[Shooting4life]

This pair is from the 70's, just the faintest bit of yellow starting to show.

 

[opr1945]

so what exactly make the ivory turn yellow?

1. passage of time?

2. exposure to sunlight?

3. oil from hands when being handled?

4. other?

 

[boykinlp]

so what exactly make the ivory turn yellow?

1. passage of time?

2. exposure to sunlight?

3. oil from hands when being handled?

4. other?

I think the answer is "all of the above". It may yellow quicker if you handle them alot.

 

[Model39]

25 Year Old "Center Cut" Ivory Grips

These grips were made for me by the late Saul Weisenfeld (Gun Art) in 1988 in preparation of my Pre-27 engraving project which James DeMunck of Rochester engraved for me. The grips were center cut, and have alot of grain, and have turned a beautiful shade of carmel over the years. This gun does not get handled very much.

 

[blujax01]

The material is dentine - yep, kinda' like teeth - and you know how those can turn yellow and stain!

 

[Imaposer]

Nothing to really add, other than to say that I actually prefer the "vintage" appearance of nicely aged ivory. Not that I could afford either.