Art Deco Ivory carving could be last of its kind to sell at auction
IT WAS a sale the like of which is likely to never be repeated.
A work of art featuring ivory was sold yesterday at a North Yorkshire auctioneers Elstob & Elstob.
The piece of art is called Flame Leaper and is an Art Deco carved ivory and cold-painted bronze figure, from around 1925.
It sold for £12,000, having drawn international bids. But new legislation from next month means it is unlikely such a piece will ever be sold again.
The item was among a series of pieces sold yesterday. A fabulous
Hermes rope chain necklace, was estimated at £8,000 to £12,000, and a stunning diamond and emerald Cartier gold ring was said to be worth up to £1,500.
A limited edition IWC Portugieser FA Jones watch was set to fetch up to £7,000 while a fine George II silver waiter by the revered Paul de Lamerie, was estimated at £4,000 to £6,000.
The sale at Ripon yesterday followed a jubilee afternoon party with celebrity antique expert David Harper in attendance.
A Government spokesman said: “From June 6, you will not be able to deal in items containing or made of elephant ivory under the Ivory Act 2018 unless they are registered as exempt or certified as exempt.
“References to ivory in this guidance means ivory from an elephant.
“The Act does not apply to ivory items that are owned if you have no intention to deal in them.
“If you own ivory that you have not registered or certified, you cannot sell or hire it out under any circumstances.
“If you are involved in arranging or facilitating an illegal sale, purchase or hire, you will be committing an offence under the Ivory Act 2018.”
The next major sale by Elston & Elstob will be antiques and furniture to be sold on June 10
If you own ivory that you have not registered, you cannot sell it. Spokesman for the Government.