Common sense made a very small step in the problems with the new rules about old ivory, although the ruling doesn’t help collectors or dealers, just musicians. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service order said that the African ivory must be accompanied by documents that prove the ivory has not changed hands or been sold since Feb. 24, 1976. But that date has been changed to Feb. 25, 2014. That means that the Cleveland Orchestra can now safely take their instruments out of the country when they do an international tour. There is old ivory in violin bows, bassoons, and many string instruments. But the orchestra still has to do all the paperwork, get the certificates, travel through one of a few designated ports, and get a CITES passport so they can re-enter the U. S. Musicians traveling alone must get their own paperwork completed. But there is still a worry that someone at a port will not know about the changes.
Photo credit: my-hindi-tumbir.com Sursanga' – 19th c. Indian Musical Instrument made of wood, pearl and ivory.
I have a Clarendon piano dated 1912 on the soundboard. My mother bought it in 1952 for $25.00. It has no value except for the ebony/ivory keys. Can I pass it to an heir? There is no documentation of its age except for some old photos that include the piano in the background. How do I (or my executor) sell it if necessary? Anyone have any legal opinions?
Like I wrote in a previous article…..California law has gone even further! People can NOT own, sell, or trade ANY items that includes ANY part of an animal that is on the endangered species list. No Tortoise Shell, Bird Feathers of any kind, Ivory of ANY kind…including walrus ivory, Taxidermy Animals of ANY kind, etc.
In California, PETA people will troll websites, antique stores, flea markets & swap meets looking for these people selling these items & then report them to Fish & Game Authority who come in & confiscate the item….legalized theft is what it really is!!! I read some where that the items are then destoryed. We have lost a part of our heritage that will never be back again!!!
What started out with PETA people protecting animals that are our pets, has turned into a small bunch of lunatics raiding our heritage. If people would stop donating to their cause which is way beyond protecting pets…we’d put them out of business!!!
BTW…I like my steak rare!!!
I happen to agree with kinglatootha and think this is the worst law ever. I used to live in Kenya, East Africa in 1981 and while there I purchased some lovely Ivory jewelry. I don’t have any receipts for it to confirm that it hasn’t changed hands or been sold before now. So now, I can’t sell it if I wanted to? How insane! Having lived amidst the beautiful great animals, I am completely anti-poaching but this is nutty. Is there a way around this at all? Thank you for listening.
Am interested in the answer to the question on Netsukes. thank you.
I have concerns….I lived in Africa in Jan 1963 to Jan 1964. I purchased several pieces of ivory. I am looking to sell them. But now I’m not able!! The damage to the animals has already been done…and I agree that it is a horrific crime against defenseless animals…but don’t let their death be in vane.
I also have an ivory carving that I purchased on line made from prehistoric ivory. Ivory that was found several thousand years after their demise. Would that also be included in the law??
I have an ivory cane. Don’t know the age.
What about Netsukes, Figurines, etc…
How does regulation effect the sale of a piano that’s part of an estate & needs to be sold?
I have some ivorys from the 40s or 50s from japan are there any laws about them
How would this date change affect ivory piano keys? My Melville Clark piano was an anniversary present from my grandfather to my grandmother in 1927, although it may have been purchased used. Is there any way to prove the age?
[b]Pardon my ignorance, but was the use of ivory in many instruments, purely esthetic thing or did musicians at the time, believe it contributed something to the sound of an instrument?[/b]
My father died in 1965. He was a collector of fine antiques. I inherited two beautiful ivory carvings, but with no paper documentation. I fully agree with no ivory poaching, but for me to never be able to sell these old items is ludicrous.