SEEKING ADVICE ON CRACKED IVORY HANDLE ? Whats next?

[dax0007]

Hello all!

Well i purchased this beautiful Scrimshawed Ivory handle knife knowing that it had a crack....

I was told by the owner that the knife was purchased as a Randall Ivory handle with no cracks, then sent to the scrimshawer who put a beautiful Conan image.. The handle had no cracks.... When the original owner moved from Florida to Mexico it develop a str8 crack from hilt to butt cap..

The handle is solid- no movement.. The crack has been there for 10 years is what i was told..... Do you think this handle can get worse???

I researched my options to fix it, but would hate to fix it, for it to then crack over the scrimshaw. Right now the scrimshaw is perfect..

I also know that most IVORY at some point cracks, but these is a clear crack and not a check.. I guess my main question is will it get worse??

I would think having this crack should allow the handle to do it shrink/swell without any more damage cause of the space in the crack..

Any adivce is greatly apprciated!
Thanks

 

[Frank Niro]

I've only done work with a LOT of mammoth ivory. My opinion is that you are safe from seeing your scrimshaw damaged. Frank

 

[AVigil]

Such is Ivory....

Leave it be.

Looks like a very nice piece

 

[dax0007]

Thanks for the comments.. I was told the cracks has been there for about 10 years already

It was done by a Joe Saggio( i cant find much info on him) .. Its a recreations of the famous art by Frank Frazetta "Conan".. I am very fond of Frank Frazetta work.. so when i saw it I had to have it..

Such is Ivory....

Leave it be.

Looks like a very nice piece

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I agree, what is there now and will not affect the scrimshaw.

 

[luc_circus]

could you post a picture of the saggio mark on scrimshaw ? I try to identify mine and can't find any available information on him, thanks a lot

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[dax0007]

Nice knife.. I will post my closeup in a few days.. However Joe Saggios mark on my knife and other i seen was a Nautical WHEEL with a S.. He never dated his knives atleast the ones i seen.. However the knife u have looks stunning as Joes work it..

CHeck this out..

 

[luc_circus]

Nice knife.. I will post my closeup in a few days.. However Joe Saggios mark on my knife and other i seen was a Nautical WHEEL with a S.. He never dated his knives atleast the ones i seen.. However the knife u have looks stunning as Joes work it..

CHeck this out..View attachment 493413

OHHHH!!!!!, what a surprise, same scrimshaw, is it yours ?? the two faces of handle are scrimshawed ?? this Randall is a bit younger than mine, many thanks for this picture

 

[luc_circus]

Nice knife.. I will post my closeup in a few days.. However Joe Saggios mark on my knife and other i seen was a Nautical WHEEL with a S.. He never dated his knives atleast the ones i seen.. However the knife u have looks stunning as Joes work it..

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just learn that the mark on my knife is from Joe SAGGIO too, that was SAG a long time ago.