Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Ian · 31st March 2005, 08:00 PM

Derek:

I echo the comments of Andrew and Vandoo that it is hard to judge the age of ivory by its color, although there are other tell tale signs of wear that MAY reflect age (or at least frequent handling). Andrew has alluded to oils from skin, etc., and these can color the ivory, but they also attract dirt and grime which works its way into ivory cracks and other out of the way places. Some of this "dirt" is quite persistent and resists cleaning. You can see evidence of this effect in the fine cracks in the ivory of your bottom example and at the junction of the silver ferrule and ivory handle. I think these features often tell us more about age and use than the color of the ivory itself.

Ian.

31st March 2005, 08:00 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Derek: I echo the comments of Andrew and Vandoo that it is hard to judge the age of ivory by its color, although there are other tell tale signs of wear that MAY reflect age (or at least frequent handling). Andrew has alluded to oils from skin, etc., and these can color the ivory, but they also attract dirt and grime which works its way into ivory cracks and other out of the way places. Some of this "dirt" is quite persistent and resists cleaning. You can see evidence of this effect in the fine cracks in the ivory of your bottom example and at the junction of the silver ferrule and ivory handle. I think these features often tell us more about age and use than the color of the ivory itself. Ian.