Endangered species: ivory

MADAM – As a long-term collector of antiques, as well as a student of the auction scene and an active participant in the ongoing debate on the ivory ban, I thought that it might be helpful to bring readers up-to-date in respect of approaches I have made in recent months to Defra’s Ivory Policy Team.

Industry trade bodies have launched a survey that will attempt to measure the financial impact of the Ivory Act (2018) which comes into force later this year. Collectors, dealers and auctioneers of antique ivory are being encouraged to take part.

MADAM – I refer to your Brexit article (‘No deal warning for CITES-listed items’, ATG No 2376).

The laws surrounding antiques made with the parts of endangered species are subject to frequent change. Kim McDonald of The Taxidermy Law Company provides a refresher guide...

MADAM – F Segolini makes some interesting and valid points about the failure of alcohol prohibition in the US (Letters, ATG No 2373).

MADAM – Re: ivory ban. I would very much like to add my tuppence worth to this ongoing issue.

MADAM – Further to the distortion of ivory figures by separate piano keys (News, ATG No 2364): surely they are further distorted by the 32 pieces in a chess set, 144 pieces in a Mahjong set, or indeed the 23 balls in an antique snooker set.

An amendment to the ivory bill raised in the House of Lords will limit the powers of accredited civilian officers.

MADAM – We have a once fine upright piano in our salerooms, sadly rejected now at three successive sales.

MADAM – It is with some interest and concern that I read in ATG No 2362 of the new restrictions being proposed to government by BADA on the trade in rhino horn.

Collectors and sellers of antique ivory are being told that the ivory ban is unlikely to become law before spring 2019, a longer lead-time than originally thought.

MADAM – I reply to the letter from Louise Ravula and Jane Alexandra (ATG No 2359) on a number of points they made about the antiques industry's attitude to the forthcoming ivory ban.

MADAM – It was unfair and misleading of Louise Ravula and Jane Alexandra, of Two Million Tusks, to identify the Alastair Gibson petition as “pro-ivory trade”.

MADAM – Could you please update us on the forthcoming ivory ban: if passed, does it become law that day or will the new rules apply later? Richard Gardiner, Chichester.