Elk Ivories

[3 trees]

Congratulations on making it to retirement. I retired 7 years ago from teaching. Now spend my time hobby farming and hunting and fishing! Believe what they say about retirement it’s true! Going out to hunt leatherback mushrooms today!

 

[Rock Home Isle]

Right now it’s been a normal summer off, though my colleagues are now back in the classroom getting things ready for students. It probably won’t sink in till the leaves change, and I’m not in a classroom…that’ll be rough.

 

[rickpa]

I would use them to decorate my pouch flap or powder horn strap. Maybe a leather ball bag.

 

[morehops52]

They can be used to make a charm for your pocket watch.
IMG_0702 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

Very nice dagger!!!

 

[morehops52]

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has ads for jewelers who make rings etc., out of your ivory. Their mag is called Bugle. Also, Hope you have a long and happy retirement!!

 

[Master Blaster]

I remember back in the 50s my dad who was a long time member of the BPOE had cuff links made.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Morehops52, Thanks, I got a sheath in a trade so had to make a knife to fit it. Later I made a different sheath that suited my tastes better.

 

[Notchy Bob]

I think they would look good on the front of a shot pouch (hunting pouch). Maybe two rows of eight each on the front of the pouch.

That's a nice find. Real elk ivories these days are very expensive if you try to buy them, like $35-$50 per tooth, I think. I don't own any, but I think they're cool. Bernard Mason called them the "Red Man's pearls." A lady who had the several hundred needed to decorate the cape of her dress was married to a very good hunter, and enjoyed a lot of prestige.

Notchy Bob

 

[morehops52]

Morehops52, Thanks, I got a sheath in a trade so had to make a knife to fit it. Later I made a different sheath that suited my tastes better.

You do really nice work Phil. I’ve had several custom knives made for me. I would have been proud to own that one. Those interests have waned lately.

 

[SciAggie]

Congrats on retirement. I'm still a few years away. I'm still in the trenches teaching HS physics, computer science, and a research class. I'm blessed to live in a rural community and we've talked about the physics of shooting and muzzle brakes and all kids of fun things. No one gets alarmed - it's great.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

Congrats on retirement. I'm still a few years away. I'm still in the trenches teaching HS physics, computer science, and a research class. I'm blessed to live in a rural community and we've talked about the physics of shooting and muzzle brakes and all kids of fun things. No one gets alarmed - it's great.

I was an Analytical Chemist for 11 years, then went into education. I taught Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry, Mechanical Physics, Physics of Heat, Light & Sound, and Forensic Science…for over 20 years. I am going to miss it…meeting another science teacher is awesome. Thank you.

 

[SciAggie]

@Rock Home Isle It’s interesting the things some of us have in common. I’m a non-traditional teachers as well. I was self employed for 20 years before teaching. This is a second career for me too.

I’ll be watching this thread because I have a few elk ivories I need to do something with as well.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

@SciAggie I like your posts, I look for you all the time

 

[BozoMiller]

This is another knife sheath using elk teeth

 

[DuncNZ]

I think they may have some meaning to members of the Elks Lodge. I could be wrong and suspect that it maybe older Elks members who may know.

I have read somewhere that the members of the Elks Lodge became so keen on having Elk Teeth jewelry they practically wiped out Elk in some areas of the USA . Especially the in eastern states

 

[CoHiCntry]

About 20 years ago I gave all the buglers I had up to that point to a guy who made jewelry. The deal was he was to make me something out of one of them and in exchange could keep the remaining ones. Well... time went on and I kinda forgot about it and eventually lost touch with him. So he got all my buglers, and I got nothing.

I like the sheath idea someone posted! Lots of cool ideas to use them in jewelry etc. Finding someone to do the work seems to be the hard part. Maybe easy if you have an idea and the money to fund it? Probably won't be cheap...

 

[waksupi]

Late to the topic, but I have seen some nice hatbands made with elk teeth.

 

[Ames]

Sand them down flat and use them for an inlay or two.

 

[deerstalkert]

drill and insert a wire for nipple/vent pick.