What to look for in mammoth ivory

M.Griffin

M.Griffin

Joined
Nov 8, 2007
Messages
460
I am wondering what someone should look for when purchasing mammoth ivory. I have the chance to buy some from a local source, but am unsure what to look for. It seems really cheap, but there is probably a reason. I just don't want to pass on it if it is really too good to be true. I will probably just sit on it if I buy it, as my skills aren't developed enough to justify its use yet. I know it will need stabilizing if I get it. Thanks.

-Mike
 
Crackle is good - :thumbup:
Color is good - :thumbup:
Size is good - :thumbup:

Cracks are bad - :thumbdn:

The out side - bark is what is the best to use.

TAD
 
Take a knife or blade with you to make sure you can get a handle out of the material, sometimes there are cracks or its too small in diameter to get a good handle. Just make sure there is more than enough material for what you plan.
 
x2. I got a few sets from turnage, and without at least 2 spacers the material is too thin to use. Pretty, but useless for many items.
 
View from end cut to check color depth and to check bark from cracks.
If possible, keep it a year or two before using no matter how long the seller
says it's cured.
 
These aren't the best looking, but they are very cheap. I thought they might be a good starting point for learning to use more pricey materials. There are 3 pieces. If I remember right, the large one was about 9"x3" the other two are about 6"x3". They are mostly white, with a little color variation in it. He wants $60 for all of it. It has some of what I would call delamination between layers, but I don't know if this would be considered normal. Thanks.

-Mike
 
M.Griffin said:
These aren't the best looking, but they are very cheap. I thought they might be a good starting point for learning to use more pricey materials. There are 3 pieces. If I remember right, the large one was about 9"x3" the other two are about 6"x3". They are mostly white, with a little color variation in it. He wants $60 for all of it. It has some of what I would call delamination between layers, but I don't know if this would be considered normal. Thanks.

-Mike
Click to expand...

Sure you aren't missing a zero on that figure? ;)
 
Kevin Jones said:
Sure you aren't missing a zero on that figure? ;)
Click to expand...

Exactly what makes me think it is just crap, I just don't know what to think. Maybe I will ask the guy if I can take some pics and post them up to get some opinions. I will have to wait until Sat. to see it again.

-Mike
 
I don't know, there is a lot of cheap mammoth bark and fossilized tooth scales coming out of Russia. Look on e-bay, it's very affordable. It could be that this guy simply doesn't know what he has.
 
Lots of raw mammoth at the Tuscon gem and mineral show last year, tubs and tubs of it. Very affordable. I got about a 6x8 piece of whiteish for $50, some cracks.
 
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