Ivory or not??

dude1951

A friend recently purchased an old (1920's) Colt police positive revolver. The gun is nickled and appears to have Ivory grips. How does one tell if its Ivory, plastic or what?

dandak1

Saw this on Antiques roadshow, so take it for what its worth. They said take a needle, heat it up, and in an inconspicuous place (ie: inside the grips maybe??) touch the needle to the material. If it melts or fuses it is plastic and not ivory.

chicoppee

Might also be BONE

Bill DeShivs

NEVER use a hot pin! You damage the material, regardless of what it is. Ivory is easy to spot.
Post a good picture and I can tell you if it's ivory or not.