Ivory or Bone?

[grump]

I recently purchased this brush off of the bay to possibly re-knot.
It was advertised as plastic, but it most definitely is not plastic.
It does not look similar to the bone handle I already own, as that has dark spots or veins that are present on it are not present on this.
It has what appears to be an aged paper sticker or seal on the bottom that states Argentina along with 2 other illegible words.
You can see the turning marks, appears dull but shiny(if that makes sense).
It is quite a beautiful brush in hand. The hair is quite long and soft.
It measures 1 1/8 x 1 5/8 and weighs 46g.
Photo's can be found here:
http://s522.photobucket.com/albums/w...Ivory%20brush/
I will be taking a photo of it with my other bone handle so you can see the differences.

What is your opinion?

Thank you in advance

[tomviolence]

Ivory has a distinct grain. From your photos, it is hard to tell. To be honest, it looks like celluloid. Try googling ivory to see images of the grain. It is very distinctive and once you see it, it makes it easier to check your piece.

[Darjeeling Express]

Grump, I tend to agree with you. I think the handle is organic and not synthetic. It almost has an onyx or soapstone quality. But I definitely think you are right, ivory, horn, bone, something. It does not seem synthetic. The handle is gorgeous and definitely has a Simpson Tulip look! Enjoy it and report back.

[TheSweep]

Ivory has a distinct grain. From your photos, it is hard to tell. To be honest, it looks like celluloid. Try googling ivory to see images of the grain. It is very distinctive and once you see it, it makes it easier to check your piece.

It is a nice looking handle. It looks like celluloid to me too. What does it feel like?

[grump]

Celluloid test - running under hot water for more than 30 sec. should produce a vinegar type smell

The results were little to no smell. I then ran water for more than a min. and still nothing.

Pin test - the heated pin did not penetrate or produce a smell.

The test's continue.

[SliceOfLife]

Pin test is pretty definite. I'd say ivory over bone. Bone usually develops a little more character (darkened pores) than that, but I am far from an expert. If it is bone, I'd guess it's a fairly recent brush (not 50+ years old).

[fidjit]

Phil

It's a bit hard to say from the photos, can't quite see clearly enough to see what vein/marks etc you're talking about.

Pin prick test from what I read ISN'T definitive just by itself as some man made substances such as bakelite will pass the penetration. You can however use the smell from the penetration test to help identify.

I had exactly the same issue with a brush I found recently.

Found this paper which is useful ( it was even presented in Tasmania ) for identifying different ivory/bone materials.

http://www.australiangemmologist.com...areivories.pdf

and also the US Wildlife page:

http://www.lab.fws.gov/ivory_id.php

Gives some hints of grains and indicators to look for to identify.

I'm still only about 99% sure mine is mammoth ivory and I've got to find time to get to see the Director of Antiquities at the local museum here to get final confirmation.

Hope this helps....

[SliceOfLife]

There's bakelite that doesn't melt at 1300 degrees C?

[warlandsboy]

Wow, spectacular handles!

[Jim]

It feels like bone from here. whatever it is, I call dibs on it if you ever want to sell it!

Very nice score indeed!

[SliceOfLife]

Where the hell did you get that other bone handle? That thing is wicked!

[grump]

The BST.