Ivory or fake

K

kl101

Joined
Oct 4, 1999
Messages
119
I picked up a carving set at a garage sale. Manufactured by LF&C. I can't tell if the handles are ivory or a synthetic. If you examine them closely, there is a grainy structure visible like wood grain.

Are there any non destructive ways to confirm what the material is?

Thanks
 
I saw a segment on Antiques Roadshow on this. The appraiser said to heat up a pin to red hot and stick it into the piece (in an inconspicuous spot). When burned, real ivory will not melt like synthetic, and gives off the smell of burnt hair. Synthetics melt and give off the smell of burnt plastic/resin. Good luck!
 
Try heating up a needle and poking it in a spot that can't be seen, you will be able to tell right away by the smell. ;)

Not very non-destructive, but that's the only test I know of, hopefully someone else will chime in with a better answer.
Steve
 
i had heard of the hot needle test. I was hoping to find something less destructive.

Thanks for the replies
 
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