I heard what sounded like a shot in my trophy room. I went in and found the cavity edge on one of my elephant tusks had exploded.

This is the same tusk that had cracked earlier and I had epoxied the inside of the cavity as best I could hoping to keep some moisture in. What else can be done before the whole thing cracks?

CRAPS!!!!
Man
Sorry to see this...hope someone here can give you some help

I had one explode years ago, but it was up in the solid part of the tusks. I was in the room when it happened, much loud, and small slivers of ivory flew around. However, it sold well when I sold in in about '76 or '77. I never asked Gene Klineburger about it, I assume they filled the tusk crack and sold it to someone for their trophy room.

so when is your next dental appointment

Butchloc, one time at the dentist I pulled a sperm whale tooth from my pocket and said "this fell out" ! I took a while before he could speak !!

i had a hippo tusk do the same thing- it was rather loud. luckily, epoxy put things more or less right.

quote:

Originally posted by SBT:
I heard what sounded like a shot in my trophy room. I went in and found the cavity edge on one of my elephant tusks had exploded.

This is the same tusk that had cracked earlier and I had epoxied the inside of the cavity as best I could hoping to keep some moisture in. What else can be done before the whole thing cracks?

SBT:

This is a result of dehydration. You may consider yourself fortunate the cracking happened where it did and not in the solid section.

My advice is to submerge ivory in water for a week or so and once removed and dried externally, liberally sponge the cavities with a light vegetable oil several times over a couple of weeks to ensure the "pores" are sealed.

Liquified natural beeswax is another option instead of oil.

You should rub them down externally with an oily cloth once in a while and if you live in a cold dry climate avoid keeping them near a heat source and possibly consider running a humidifier in that particular room.

I know this is OT:
But, half way relates.
Friend and I happened to be at the blood bank at the same time. His sister is a taxidermist.
Chuck had picked up some eyes and when no one was looking placed them on his own eye's and let out a loud moan. Talk about a commotion and panic!
Hope some of you get a laugh out of this.

Sorry about your tusk, sure hope it can be fixed up.
George

Paging Bwana Bunduki!! Buana Bunduki, you're needed in the trophy room.

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:
i had a hippo tusk do the same thing- it was rather loud. luckily, epoxy put things more or less right.

X2

I have warthog tusks mounted on a plaque in the shape of Africa. I have found both the large tusks split and lying on the floor. Super glue to the rescue!

That's why importation of Ivory is being Banned in the States. Exploding Ivory is VERY DANGEROUS!!!

All ivory, whether from pigs, hippos or elephants benefit greatly from an occasional rub over with something like Johnson's clear baby oil......... NOT the pink version because it'll colour the ivory.

If they sit in any kind of mounting collar, the collar should fit loosely to allow for expansion/contraction.

quote:

quote:
Originally posted by jdollar:
i had a hippo tusk do the same thing- it was rather loud. luckily, epoxy put things more or less right.


X2

X3

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Paging Bwana Bunduki!! Buana Bunduki, you're needed in the trophy room.

Two shots of Tequila and call me in the morning...

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Paging Bwana Bunduki!! Buana Bunduki, you're needed in the trophy room.

Two shots of Tequila and call me in the morning...

Just had a taxidermist tell me the problem is the ivory expands and that is why it exploded. He says the ivory must be stopped from expanding and recommended using a "C" clamp.

I'm thinking I might put on some type of "C" clamp and cover that with some sewn to fit elephant hide, soak the hide and let it dry onto the ivory. Thoughts?