5 Facts About Ivory Handled Pistols

For many gun enthusiasts and collectors, the term "ivory handled pistol" evokes images of classic Westerns, where rugged cowboys and outlaws wielded iconic firearms with gleaming white grips. However, the reality behind these legendary pistols is more complex and fascinating than popular culture suggests. In this article, we will delve into five key facts about ivory handled pistols, exploring their history, design, and cultural significance.

Fact #1: Origins of Ivory Handled Pistols

The use of ivory in handgun grips dates back to the early 19th century, when European manufacturers began experimenting with various materials to create more durable and attractive firearms. Ivory, being a readily available and highly valued commodity at the time, became a popular choice for gun makers. The first ivory handled pistols were produced in Europe, primarily in England and France, where skilled craftsmen honed their skills in working with this versatile material.

Types of Ivory Used

Several types of ivory were used in the production of pistol grips, including:

• Elephant ivory: This was the most prized and expensive type, sourced from African elephants.
• Walrus ivory: Sourced from walruses, this type of ivory was less expensive than elephant ivory but still highly valued.
• Hippopotamus ivory: This type of ivory was less common but still used in some pistol grips.

Fact #2: Design and Craftsmanship

Ivory handled pistols were renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Skilled gun makers would carefully shape and polish the ivory to create intricate designs, often featuring ornate engravings or inlays. The use of ivory allowed for a level of customization and personalization that was not possible with other materials, making each pistol unique and highly prized by collectors.

Techniques Used

Gun makers employed various techniques to work with ivory, including:

• Carving: Ivory was carved to create intricate designs and patterns.
• Inlaying: Thin slices of ivory were inlaid into the grip to create contrasting patterns.
• Engraving: Ivory was engraved with intricate designs and markings.

Fact #3: Cultural Significance

Ivory handled pistols played a significant role in American Western folklore, with many famous outlaws and lawmen wielding these iconic firearms. The use of ivory handled pistols was often seen as a symbol of status, wealth, and power, with many collectors seeking out these rare and highly prized firearms.

Notable Owners

Some notable owners of ivory handled pistols include:

• Buffalo Bill Cody: The famous frontiersman and showman was known to carry an ivory handled pistol.
• Wild Bill Hickok: The legendary gunfighter was often depicted carrying an ivory handled pistol.
• Wyatt Earp: The famous lawman was known to own several ivory handled pistols.

Fact #4: Rarity and Value

Due to the rarity and high demand for ivory handled pistols, these firearms can command extremely high prices at auction. In recent years, several ivory handled pistols have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some rare examples fetching prices in excess of $1 million.

Auction Results

Some notable auction results for ivory handled pistols include:

• A Colt revolver with an ivory grip sold for $240,000 in 2019.
• A Smith & Wesson revolver with an ivory grip sold for $180,000 in 2018.
• A rare Colt pistol with an ivory grip sold for $1.1 million in 2017.

Fact #5: Conservation Efforts

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to conserve and protect ivory handled pistols, both as cultural artifacts and as examples of exceptional craftsmanship. Many museums and collectors are working to preserve these rare firearms, using advanced conservation techniques to restore and maintain the delicate ivory grips.

Conservation Techniques

Some conservation techniques used to preserve ivory handled pistols include:

• Cleaning: Gentle cleaning methods are used to remove dirt and grime from the ivory grip.
• Stabilization: The ivory grip is stabilized to prevent cracking or deterioration.
• Restoration: Damaged or worn areas of the ivory grip are carefully restored using traditional techniques.

Ivory Handled Pistols Image Gallery

We hope you have enjoyed this in-depth look at ivory handled pistols. These iconic firearms continue to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of craftsmanship and elegance. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply a fan of firearms history, we encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.