Posted on 03/19/2014 1:07:09 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
The Museum of Science in Milan offers spectroscopic analysis of ivory (a small sample needs to be supplied) for 150 euros.
http://www.ivoryauthenticityandage.com/
Thanks for the ping!
that’s right.
People get used to these tyrannical restrictions on ownership at notch at a time...
Apparently Steinway Piano Company saw this coming as they switched to Plastic coated Keys some time ago,nut I wonder what the chances of the resale of a fine OLD Steinway piano fitted with Ivory Keys would have now?
Netsuke? How can such antiques currently be disallowed at auction?
Has your FIL considered Sotheby’s or Christies?
He might also do a little research on Japanese auction houses and go from there.
Really, what a mess - sorry your family is going through this.
The auction house simply told him that it was now illegal to sell ivory and returned the pieces to him. Sounds like they could have been confiscated if sold. I know he does have paperwork for most of the pieces (he used to own a small Asian/bonsai shop) but I guess they were either not old enough or the auction house didn’t understand the rules or didn’t want to deal with the hassle.
The pieces are absolutely beautiful, and I guess they’ll stay in the family for now ... or maybe they’ll be “lost” in a tragic boat accident.
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