IVORY FOR POMMEL

xasterix · 14th October 2020, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

How it behaves: if it melts is plastic; if it smells like "dentist" is ivory.

For polishing you can use sandpaper, 600-800 grit and give it a few rapid rubs. If it is ivory will smell like "dentist."
For final shiny polish you need to go to higher grit (3000-7000).

One photo from the side is not enough. You should post more close-up photos. Generally this type of hilts are made from elephant ivory. You should check for the Schreger lines.

I do not advise polishing/fire testing any finished product. For a raw piece of material is another story.

Hullo, here are more pics of the pommel.

Rafngard · 14th October 2020, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xasterix

Hullo, here are more pics of the pommel.

I'm sure members with more experience than I will chime in, but to my eye it looks like elephant ivory, and overall, a really beautiful specimen.

xasterix · 14th October 2020, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rafngard

I'm sure members with more experience than I will chime in, but to my eye it looks like elephant ivory, and overall, a really beautiful specimen.

Thanks Leif! Additionally, if it's not much of a hassle, may I ask everyone to assess my friend's piece, of similar build as mine.

Sajen · 14th October 2020, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xasterix

Thanks Leif! Additionally, if it's not much of a hassle, may I ask everyone to assess my friend's piece, of similar build as mine.

Also elephant ivory.

xasterix · 15th October 2020, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Also elephant ivory.

Dear Detlef:

Thanks very much for the assessment!

xasterix · 15th October 2020, 02:45 AM

Here are other samples, from another friend's collection. The one with the reddish hilt intrigues me, as it's a standout from the other ivory-looking samples. One of the hilts is also unique, having a string of hawk bells tied from the base of the pommel up to the gangya as a makeshift guard.

TIA for anyone who'll assess! Much appreciated.

Battara · 15th October 2020, 02:59 AM

Xasterix, the Maguindanao pommel looks like aged Mother-of-Pearl in silver frames to me. I have seen it darken like this.

The other pommels are ivory. The red coloration is the result of the presence of sulfur which oxidizes the ivory from red to a dark reddish brown or a honey-is brown.

I find the T'boli bells interesting.

Sajen · 14th October 2020, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xasterix

Hullo, here are more pics of the pommel.

Elephant ivory!

15th October 2020, 02:45 AM	#6
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 598	Here are other samples, from another friend's collection. The one with the reddish hilt intrigues me, as it's a standout from the other ivory-looking samples. One of the hilts is also unique, having a string of hawk bells tied from the base of the pommel up to the gangya as a makeshift guard. TIA for anyone who'll assess! Much appreciated. Attached Images

15th October 2020, 02:59 AM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,141	Xasterix, the Maguindanao pommel looks like aged Mother-of-Pearl in silver frames to me. I have seen it darken like this. The other pommels are ivory. The red coloration is the result of the presence of sulfur which oxidizes the ivory from red to a dark reddish brown or a honey-is brown. I find the T'boli bells interesting.