ivory? grips

[copierfixer]

hi, can anyone here shed some light on exactly what kind of grips these are?

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee273/copierfixer/031812013.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee273/copierfixer/031812009.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee273/copierfixer/031812010.jpg

 

[Sugar River]

Based on what I can see with the grain pattern it looks like real ivory to me.

If you can shave off a whisker from the under side and hold a match to it, it will smell like burning hair if it's real.


Pete

 

[ndcowboy]

Maybe it's just me, but I wish there was no "artwork" on those grips. Real ivory (if they are indeed real) is art all on its own - no help is needed.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Whether they're synthetic, bone or Ivory it appears they were Tea or coffee stained. Pic #2 shows whatever was used, is still down inside the locator pin holes.
I always heat up a pin and press it too the backside of the grip, if it smells like the dentist office or scorched hair, it's a natural material (bone or Ivory). Otherwise you'll notice a synthetic smell.

 

[copierfixer]

Thanks for all the replies. I will try the tests to see what it is.

 

[copierfixer]

ok, it smells like burnt hair. The material in the locator holes seems to be a glue of some sort. Any ideas to the worth? Or who the artist might be? Thanks again all.

 

[Major T]

Valuable!!!! What do they fit? Nice find, jack

 

[copierfixer]

They fit a super blackhawk grip frame. I weighed them, and they are just shy of 2 ounces each. Quite heavy. They will be for sale once I can determine a price. I want to be fair, but not get ripped off. Forum members here get the first shot. Any ideas?

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Sounds like Ivory to me. Is that a signature under the bunny's tail?

 

[copierfixer]

the signature is on the back of the grip. byron s. wooly. pic # 2.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Yes but it's hard to know if that's the grip maker or a previous owners name. Most scrimshaw artists will sign their work, that's why I was curious if that was a signature under the bunny, it might help you to gain more info about your grips.
Nice looking set.
Good luck.

 

[copierfixer]

mountain,
Good eye! It looks like LEAHU under the bunny. Does that help?

 

[Hugh]

Uh, you mean like this?

 

[jpdesign]

Looks real to me. I like them, and the artwork. THough I would prefer just black and white

 

[Salmoneye]

Scrimshaw done by Tiger Leahu...He has contact info on the net, and vids on YouTube...

And I suspect the name on the back is spelled incorrectly...

Google shows a Byron S. Woolley, now deceased...