Of course, if it had an ivory beak, it could have gone for $2000.
VANDOO - art investment? Hadn't thought of that.
BluErf - I was very lucky. The pictures were terrible and thus I was the only one bidding on it. Yet I could see the potential beyond the pictures and asked for extra emailed pictures.
I also agree with the other barung being not of ivory. Silver at most but probably horn or brass.