Restoration of walrus ivory handle

Michel · 22nd January 2005, 10:25 AM

Hi Marks,
In a French book I have referred already several time in this forum about ivory and the maintenance of ivory pieces, it says that ivory can be reshaped in its original shape with the following method : immerge completely the object in a bath made of water + one fifth of nitric acid. Leave it in for three or four days. At this stage, the ivory looks rather translucent and has become amazingly plastic.
Reshape it and let it dry. It will recover its color and opacity. Do not leave it in hot water, as it would soften again.
I have never tried that process and do not know if walrus ivory react exactly as elephant ivory.
May be Arzti can confirm this process.
Regards

Michel

22nd January 2005, 10:25 AM	#5
Michel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Switzerland Posts: 139	Hi Marks, In a French book I have referred already several time in this forum about ivory and the maintenance of ivory pieces, it says that ivory can be reshaped in its original shape with the following method : immerge completely the object in a bath made of water + one fifth of nitric acid. Leave it in for three or four days. At this stage, the ivory looks rather translucent and has become amazingly plastic. Reshape it and let it dry. It will recover its color and opacity. Do not leave it in hot water, as it would soften again. I have never tried that process and do not know if walrus ivory react exactly as elephant ivory. May be Arzti can confirm this process. Regards Michel