[twyn1]

Interesting. My Father-in-Law has a large collection of Netsuke that he recently sent to auction. The dealer quietly returned all of the ivory pieces to him and stated they were not allowed to be put up for sale, even though they have paperwork and were totally legal when purchased. He pretty much has to just sit on these pieces or risk big trouble. The money they could have brought in would have been a huge help.

I should have known Obama was involved in some way.

[Tijeras_Slim]

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/

[warsaw44]

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.