How to Buy or Sell — Ivory And Ivory Look-Alikes

Ivory does not only come from elephant tusks. Ivory can also be from other animals, such as walruses, hippopotamuses, or whales. There is also “vegetable ivory.” Some vegetable materials have a similar texture and density and look like ivory, but it is possible to see growth rings on a large piece of an elephant’s tusk. […]

How to Buy or Sell — Plastic

There have been natural plastics used since the days of the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. Amber, horns, shellac, and some other things can be called plastic because one definition is “a substance that can be heated and molded into a permanent shape.” Plastic collectors want examples of the man-made plastics. Gutta Percha was invented in […]

How to Buy or Sell — Marble

Marble (See TOYS for toy marbles) Marble carvings sell like any other sculpture; the better the artist, the higher the price. Size is also a factor. Busts and small figures sell for hundreds of dollars. Busts became more popular and more expensive about 2015. Decorators liked the aura of early Greek and Roman statues in […]

How to Buy or Sell — Ivory

Ivory does not only come from elephant tusks. Ivory can also be from other animals, such as walruses, hippopotamuses, or whales. There is also “vegetable ivory.” Some vegetable materials have a similar texture and density and look like ivory, but it is possible to see growth rings on a large piece of an elephant’s tusk. […]

How to Buy or Sell — Leather

CARE AND REPAIR Leather requires special care. Use only accepted leather cleaners and preservatives. Never use general-purpose waxes and polishes. Most department, furniture, and hardware stores sell suitable leather cleaners. Products such as neat’s-foot oil and mink oil, sold in shoe stores, leather shops, and shoe repair shops, are made especially for use on leather. […]