Rhino horn more expensive than gold


Durban - Senior managers of the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe Park on Tuesday discussed strategies to curb rhino poaching, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife said.

It was recently reported that the price of rhino horn had increased to R400 000 a kilogram, making it more expensive than gold at R300 000 a kilogram.

"Staff from the Kruger Park flew into the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park [to] exchange information on rhino security and anti-poaching strategies," said Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife spokesperson Jeff Gaisford.

A series of meetings were also attended by SA National Parks senior general manager of investigations and intelligence Ken Maggs and Ezemvelo CEO Dr Bandile Mkhize.

The discussions included the national rhino conservation strategy, said Gaisford.

He said the sharing of information about rhino security enabled participating agencies to benefit from the unique experiences of other organisations.

A total of 333 rhinos were killed and dehorned countrywide in 2010 and 162 people linked to poaching were arrested.

The highest incidence of poaching was in the Kruger National Park where 146 rhinos were killed. The North West followed with 57 rhino deaths, and Limpopo closely behind with 52. KwaZulu-Natal was at the bottom of the list with only 38 reported rhino killings last year.
- SAPA

I have trouble visualizing things in kilograms, so I did the math. At today's rate of about 6.8 rands to the dollar, that works out to rhino horn being worth about $1,668.16 per ounce.

Bill Quimby

Am I correct that rhino horns legally taken before a certain date can be sold now? Is so, does anyone know what that date is?

I have a gun stocked in rhino horn dating to 1871. Wonder what that is worth?

Small Bore,

Unfortunately, it is probably worth more ground up into powder than it is worth as an antique, just like real rhinos are worth more dead than alive.

And, this is why rhinos will be shot into extinction.

On a more positive note, give us some details on what kind of rifle it is, caliber, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Small Bore:
I have a gun stocked in rhino horn dating to 1871. Wonder what that is worth?

Probably about 5 years if you get caught selling it!

Sorry mate. I just couldn't resist that one!

Two weeks ago there was an auction down here in my country where some african trophies where on the menu.

A Rhino horn was one of the items, not a mount, just the horn, it was paid 22,000 dollars if I remember correct..

L

Rhino horn has always been more expensive than gold.

Nothing new there.

Alan,

It is a .450 BPE hammer rifle with damascus barrels made in 1871 for the Maharajah of Bulrampore by Alfred Lancaster.

Stock and forend made from rhino horn , which is actually very plain and lacking in colour or figure.

Barrels are gold-inlaid in gothic script and bores pristine. Leaf sights etc.

There is an extra, wooden, stock and forend made to fit the gun a well.

not trying to thread hi-jack
but, small bore,
could you share a photo of this rifle?

Don't know how to post photos on here but if you look on www.vintageguns.co.uk under RIFLES in the FOR SALE section, you can see some photos there.

WOW! Sir "Dig" sure had a fancy rig (unintended rhyme). Seems like a heck of a deal for what it is.

Thanks for the pertinent info and photos.

If it checked out to be in good order for shooting, I'd love to take it into the bushveldt and roll a kudu or two.

The rifle is in perfect mechanical order and well capable of shooting. I have a couple of other double rifles I need to try out first. The 10-bore Dickson being the first. I have had ammunition made especially: brass machined to fit the chambers and bullets cast to fit the bore exactly. Turns out that the ball is 770 grains - I'm taking it to australia to whack a few buffalo on the NT. Once I'm familiar with the kit, I'll head for Africa and try it on a Cape Buff.

quote:

Originally posted by Small Bore:
The rifle is in perfect mechanical order and well capable of shooting. I have a couple of other double rifles I need to try out first. The 10-bore Dickson being the first . I have had ammunition made especially: brass machined to fit the chambers and bullets cast to fit the bore exactly. Turns out that the ball is 770 grains - I'm taking it to australia to whack a few buffalo on the NT. Once I'm familiar with the kit, I'll head for Africa and try it on a Cape Buff.

Oh mate, but you know how to make a man's mouth water! I'd love to see some pics of that!

have a look on vintageguns.co.uk under ARTICLES

Thanks Dig, what a fantastic rifle..... damn but I'd love to see that in action!

(Cough)

I have been promised first shot when the ammunition get's in from the loaders.

You must be dyslexic: I said you could be shot first!

quote:

Originally posted by Small Bore:
You must be dyslexic: I said you could be shot first!

Heavily dyslexic, probably shouldn't be helping draft important letters in my condition, who knows what sort of impression I may have accidentally given...

Wow!! $1,600 an ounce eh? Guess I missed out on this auction then at $9,000.

Trophy Auction

Not to mention the Snow Leopard at $1,900

I just had someone call me and ask me if I was interested in purchasing a black rhino that was mounted by Jonas Brothers many years ago.

I have no interest and no money to spend on such, if anyone is interested let me know. My understanding is it can not be sold over state lines.