Selling Ivory Pieces That Have Been Inherited

August 14, 2008

Question: I have several pieces of ivory that were made into beautiful carvings and left to me as part of an inheritance. Unfortunately, to me they are just old bones. They are made of elephant tusk and walrus tusk. I often see them posted on eBay and was considering posting them there but I would like some clarifications as to the legalities of doing so. They were imported into the U.S. between 1945 and 1972 and some are over 100 years old. They are beautiful but I no longer want them. I am sure they have a substantial value and I could use the cash. Do I need some sort of clearance from the DFG? (Michael E.)

Answer: According to Lt. Don Kelly, the sale of both types of ivory you possess are not legal. Both state and federal officers routinely watch both eBay and Craig’s List for these types of items being posted for sale. In addition, California Penal Code sections 653(o) and (p) make it illegal to sell or to possess with the intent to sell a wide variety of wildlife parts including elephant and all Federal Endangered Species. Both species and parts from these animals are protected by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and you may want to obtain additional information from them.