This knife was purchased at a northeastern PA estate auction with maritime items including an 18th century Whaleman made Panbone and Ivory cane that we also acquired. I was advised that this is antique Ivory and we would like to be able to confirm that it is.
Condition: The two pieces that form the sheath are held together with copper colored pegs and are firmly in place. The carved Bear or Wolf head is in excellent condition with only minor ink loss. The knife and sheath are in excellent condition with only very minor ink loss as mentioned before. The leather loop has broken off leaving only the wrap around the neck. The knife is sharp and clean and fits snugly in the sheath. There is no rust on the knife blade and appears that way in the photo due to the camera angle.
Visual description: The head is one solid piece to the knife. The sheath is made in three pieces. The upper piece is solid and has been applied over the lower portion which is two halves pegged together. There are long grain lines running the length of the handle and sheath that can be seen when tilted in light. There are no cracks. The flat portions of the knife sheath and handle are perfectly smooth with no pits or pores when viewed under magnification. There are no markings or signature.
Thanks for your time.
nightgale