Any idea on this clock? Colonial Ivory? What?

Spartcom5

Hero Member
Feb 2, 2015
808
936
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Found this clock at a store but didn't pick it up. Doesn't work and the back is loose. What the heck is Colonial Ivory? To me it doesn't seem to be real ivory? Made in Germany and seems to be quite old. Any input or ideas is greatly appreciated!
20170410_151530_resized.jpg20170410_151537_resized.jpg20170410_151553_resized.jpg20170410_151630_resized.jpg20170410_151644_resized.jpg20170410_151651_resized.jpg
 

First... very cool clock.

Second... IMO you have a Ivorine / Celluloid clock. Not Ivory.

Very simple test...

Take a large safety pin / large needle... heat the point with a lighter till red hot... while very hot touch the point to a spot on the clock OUT OF VIEW / IN AN AREA THAT IS HIDDEN.

IE: Like the very bottom of one of the feet... where any mark will be unseen and irrelevant.

IF... Pin just sits... Real ivory.

IF... Pin "sinks in"... it is what I suspect.
 

BTW... this clock is prolly worth the investment due to its unique nature.

I have not researched this and only did a quick google search to no informative avail.
 

My guess is that it's not very old but probably made in the 1950's-ish. Very cool piece but I'm not sure that I would pay $15 for it though. Just my thoughts
 

I have an antique vanity set labeled 'French Ivory', which is actually celluloid. I suspect that AARC is correct, and you have a 'faux' ivory celluloid piece as well. If you can't find anything while searching 'Colonial Ivory' online, you might try 'French Ivory', 'Ivoride', or 'Ivorine', as they are all names for imitation ivory.
 

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top