At 01:07 PM 12/9/97 -0500, you wrote: >Peter, > >Is it illegal to own a piano with ivory keytops? Is it illegal to replace >missing ivory keytops with recycled ivory keytops? Dave mentions a product >called "Ivorine" which you state contains ivory. I do not believe this >material contains ivory, if it did, wouldn't it be illegal to manufacture? > >Does anyone know what the real laws are regarding ivory as it applies to our >profession? > >John Piesik > > You may own such an instrument, you may replace keytops with recycled ivory keytops. The problems happen when importing ivory. Then it gets nasty. In the spirit of discouraging fresh ivory collection, the import offices are overconservative about importing good made of ivory. It is necessary to prove the age of the item. I'm not sure what the precise requirements are. Anne Beetem Harpsichords & Historic Pianos 2070 Bingham Ct. Reston, VA 20191 abeetem@wizard.net
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