If one was going to get a legitimate appraisal of ivory and/or rhino horn prior to donating to a museum, where would they go?

I guess you might as well just pluck a figure out of the air.

As it can't be legally traded I don't see how it can be accurately valued.

Your horn is worth $50, but as you are an AR brother I will pay you $72.50
You may PM me for mailing instructions. I am really doing you a favor as I hear they attract moths, and I would not want them to eat your wife's slippers. LOL!!

Before the IRS changed the rules, you could do this. I don't believe they allow any deduction beyond the cost of the taxidermy now, which is what killed that industry. Chicago Appraisers Association was a big appraisal player back when it was more of an industry, but I don't believe they do game mount appraisals any longer, and in fact may no longer be in business.

I think it is legal if the ivory or horn was imported over before a certain date.

Damifino who to ask to appraise it, though.

Curious what the rules are if anyone could fill me in. If you have legally imported tusks/horns can you never sell them?

The current stuff states right on the CITIES form that you sign to apply for the permit that you can never sell or give away for value (ie trade) any hunting trophy from a CITIES animal in the US.

From the look of it, it is probably the same for any CITIES signatory nation.

Call Alan Zanotti, of African Imports.

I'm under the impression that you can only sell them in the state you reside.

quote:

Originally posted by DLS:
Before the IRS changed the rules, you could do this. I don't believe they allow any deduction beyond the cost of the taxidermy now, which is what killed that industry. Chicago Appraisers Association was a big appraisal player back when it was more of an industry, but I don't believe they do game mount appraisals any longer, and in fact may no longer be in business.

A horn or a tusk is not taxidermy.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by DLS:
Before the IRS changed the rules, you could do this. I don't believe they allow any deduction beyond the cost of the taxidermy now, which is what killed that industry. Chicago Appraisers Association was a big appraisal player back when it was more of an industry, but I don't believe they do game mount appraisals any longer, and in fact may no longer be in business.

A horn or a tusk is not taxidermy.

I think what he means is you can only declare it for the value of what the taxidermy did or would cost . Are your tusks on bases? If so, whatever it cost for you to have them put on bases is all you can appraise them for anymore if they're being donated. If they're just raw tusks and a horn laying on the ground (doubtful, but you never know), look up what it would cost to mount them and that's what the tax deduction will be.

If insuring them, there are companies out there that will insure them for the current cost to go hunt each animal (including airfare and taxidermy), but as far as donating them to a museum it's strictly the taxidermy value.

No ivory imported into the USA after January 1975 may be sold or traded. That's the law. Check with USF&W for specifics. This is federal law and no state may supersede it. The only ivory that may legally be imported is "sport hunted" ivory taken under CITES from an approved county.

This stuff ain't rocket science but opinions, impressions and beliefs are like arseholes, yes? Attempts to violate this law will get you a paid vacation at a tax supported, all inclusive federal facility. Of course, you may not enjoy your roommate's sexual proclivities.