Are Ivory Chess Sets Legal?
Some of the main reasons ivory chess sets are so popular is their excellent craftsmanship as well as their historical value. However, getting an ivory chess set can be much more challenging than you might think.
That is why we are going to cover everything you need to know about them. We will examine all the regulations related to the possession, acquisition, and sale of ivory chess sets.
Why is Ivory so Special?
Ivory is a hard, white material prized for durability, beauty, and rareness. It has been used in different forms of craftsmanship and art for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the main source of ivory is elephant tusks and the animals have to be killed to harvest their tusks.
Since ivory has a really unique appeal and is so difficult to get, it quickly became a symbol of luxury. That's why people use it in the production of luxury items including ivory chess sets.
However, the demand for ivory had increased significantly over the years which contributed to the decline of the elephant population. This fact started causing significant concerns worldwide and it is one of the main reasons getting ivory items is so difficult.
Can You Trade Ivory?
Due to the threat of extinction faced by elephants and many other endangered species, governments from all over the world implemented certain regulations to control the trade of ivory.
One of the most significant agreements to protect such species is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as CITES. This agreement highly prohibits the commercial trade of this material. However, there are certain exceptions for antique items as well as some pre-existing ones.
Related: The Monmouth Luxury Bone Chess Pieces
What Ivory Chess Sets Are Legal to Trade?
When it comes to the legality of ivory chess sets one of the main things to consider is their age. In most jurisdictions, antique ivory items are legal to trade. The main reason for that is that the item is already existing and was made before a certain cutoff date.
Still, keep in mind that the criteria for what makes a certain item antique can vary quite a lot depending on the laws of your region or country. For instance, if the ivory was harvested before 1976, these items are legal to trade in the US as they are antiques.
Related: The Lund Anglo-Indian Reproduction Luxury Bone Chess Pieces
Ivory Chess Sets Documentation and Certification
If you are a collector of ivory chess sets or if you are planning on buying an antique one, certification, and proper documentation are something you need to have to ensure compliance with regulations.
Such documentation is essential as it proves the origin and the age of an ivory chess set. Certificates of authenticity from reputable experts are another great way to ensure the item’s legitimacy.
Value of Ivory Chess Sets
If you already possess an ivory chess set, you might be curious about its value. Well, determining the actual value of the chess set can be quite tricky. That is why, we highly recommend you to take your chess set to a professional dealer of antique items as they can give you the most accurate answer.
Apart from the item’s legitimacy, some other factors can also impact the value of a chess set. First off, the type of ivory has a huge impact. Although you might think of ivory as a material from mammoth tusks, that isn’t always the case.
Related: The Reykjavik II Series Bone Chess Pieces
There are different types of ivory, sourced from horns and tusks of different animals. Believe it or not, there is also a type of ivory that comes from whale teeth! Still, the traditional elephant ivory is usually way more expensive.
The detailing is an important factor as well. Some sets are quite simple, while others are carved by hand. Also, many painted ivory chess sets are actually hand-painted. And now, as these types of chess sets are becoming heirlooms, their price could easily go up to thousands of dollars.
Best Ivory Alternatives
If you can’t or don’t want to get an ivory chess set, there are quite a lot of alternatives you can choose from. If you care only about aesthetics, there are a lot of exceptional replicas that are made out of plastic.
Apart from that, you can also find thousands of bone chess sets and chess pieces. The bone material is usually sourced from camel bones. Nevertheless, many other types of bones have been used throughout history.
Even though they are not eco-friendly at all, consumers who are desperate for bone/ivory style find this to be the most suitable option. However, keep in mind that every ivory chess set is probably fragile and thus, it is best used for display purposes only.
Related: The Selenus Luxury Bone Chess Pieces
Final Verdict
Long story short, ivory chess sets are some of the most beautiful and luxurious chess sets you can have. However, without proper documentation and certificates, trading and even owning an ivory chess set is illegal in most countries. In addition, if you don’t have proof of origin or any other type of documentation, you should find a professional antique trader as they will probably be able to provide the most accurate information.