How can you tell the difference between genuine ivory grips and synthetic ivory?

[Carl Huber]

drewbeaman; The Ivory and Elephant skin sold in the U.S.. It is either old or taken from legally culled herds and very regulated. That's why a $10 wallet costs $130.

[drewbeman]

BOYCOT IVORY!!

[FirstBubba]

99
The diamond "pattern" in ivory is visible to the naked eye. It's kinda "holographic" in nature and can't be replicated in a synthetic ivory.
Synthetic ivory is a plastic. Real ivory is, well, organic.

[Gary Devine]

Are ivory grips comfortable?
Some of the photos on the net show lumps on the grips.
Do they come filed down and smooth?

[99explorer]

jimbo - As I understand it, African elephant ivory can be bought, sold and owned in this country regardless of its age. It just cannot be imported anymore.
The ban caused the collapse of the ivory market in this country and many others, with prices dropping considerably, although ivory pistol grips are still priced very high.
Ivory is not an ideal medium for handles of any kind because it tends to crack and shrink over time. This seems to add to its charm with some people.

[Carl Huber]

Sorry that's www.elenhunting.com

[Carl Huber]

PS; If you want an Elephant skin wallet, Exotic Skin Holster or Alligator Belt try www.bullhidebelts.com all completely legal and they last years

[Carl Huber]

Real Ivory grips are readily available through www.elenhunting&imports.com. Although you might pay more for the grips than your firearm. You can also buy Pearl, Fossilized Walrus and Mammoth. All completely legal. Getting back to the question. Fake Ivory is usually a Polymer. Heat up a needle if it melts the grip it's plastic. Or tap on your ivory's, they will click and you can tell.

[99explorer]

From what I have read, the differences seem to be microscopic, as the chemical analysis is usually the same.
Also, there seem to be a number of tests that can be made, which would be important if one is paying for real ivory.

[jhjimbo]

99
Google fake ivory. Lots of pictures and descriptions on how to tell.

What i would like to know is how do you know if real ivory is legal (before some date) or illegal??

[FirstBubba]

Yes!
Real ivory has a "diamond" pattern "in" it that synthetic can't duplicate. Real ivory will "yellow" with age, synthetic won't. Capstick said he preferred "warthog" ivory for front sights because it did not yellow.
I order all my Purdey and H&H double guns with warthog ivory front sights! (snicker, snort, chortle!)

[99explorer]

How can you tell the difference between genuine ivory grips and synthetic ivory?