Ivory rules and laws

[ISCS Yoda]

In another thread about ivory inserts in a set of engraved stocks the question of the legality of ivory was briefly discussed. Since it didn't belong in that thread I didn't raise the issue; I figured I'd do it here in the lounge.

What is the current status of legally purchased ivory? Ivory from elephants being the ivory in question, not elk, mammoth, walrus, or warthog, etc.

Specifically, if you own genuine ivory stocks, or genuine ivory carvings or tusks, purchased at any time before the current ban, what is the status?

Can you gift them?

Can you sell them?

Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[rburg]

Somewhere Rick Bowles made a post about it. There are all kinds of laws you need to comply with. The Feds just say you can't import or export it, or sell it in interstate commerce. That's about the limit of their authority. They have nothing to say about your intra state sales. That means you can sell it to your next door neighbor, the guy in your gun club, or even at a gun show if the buyer lives in the same state. Since private sales of firearms are also limited the same way, the same rules apply. If you're in doubt, put up a sign that says sales to same state buyers only.

But you may live in enemy territory. If so you'll need to research your state's laws. Some less that free states even seem to authorize their gestapo to enter your home to confiscate stuff. I have no idea about local ordinances, but I wouldn't put it past some to try.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Thanks Burg! I'm not selling anything, just looking for clarification. I have some genuine ivory items at home and I have friends with some significant collections and I was ensuring I could determine if we were violating the law just by possession, with the additional concept of what can we do with the stuff because I expect my friends to liquidate some of their collections in the future.

 

[old bear]

As for the Feds. I believe the current ban does not effect pre-ban ivory. The kicker is the seller/owner has to prove the item was made from ivory that was imported before the ban took effect. For most of us that would be a very hard thing to prove.

 

[Art Doc]

"The limit of their power."

Now that's funny...