graman 2 Posted May 24, 2012 Forward: About 12 months ago, a member here sent me a mysterious package in the mail, which turned out to be a lump of Mammoth Ivory, issuing a challenge for me. I have reserved the choice parts from this lump for that member, when they want to decide on what they would like out of it. This stuff is interesting to work with, and very smelly. (akin to having a tooth drilled). Respirators, eye protection and dust extraction must be running flat out at all times when you're working on it. This is a piece that is left over after making a pen for Mazz. I will not be doing very many of these, but the material is so amazing, being between 10,000 and 50,000 years old that every scrap I feel, must be used. I've also harvested the dust, which I will be eventually mixing with a resin to do inlays etc. on other works, but I'm not in a hurry. Mammoth ivory is very fickle (see care instructions below), and is prone to cracking, as you can see on this one (No cracks on Mazz' pen ) which is a natural characteristic of the material. The cracks in this pen were well reinforced with CA, and so should not pose a further problem if properly cared for. The Pen: This.....is solid Mammoth Ivory, which also has a vein of amber through it as you can see in the picture, which has occurred naturally in the fossilisation process. The number of solid pieces that I'll produce will be very limited, and likely to be Premium Platinum plated Sierras. This one has a ferrule of Wenge next to the centre band to protect the Mammoth from the daily rigours of the pen mech twisting. It has only a natural finish, and no CA coating. The lustre is gained from progressively sanding the material from 120 grit sand paper, up to 12000 grit micromesh sanding pads. No water was used, as it can damage the Mammoth, and make it chalky. So....price - $288aud (including pp fees) plus registered mail shipping price on quotation. I'm not sure I'm prepared to do normal airmail shipping and would rather ensure that it is registered, as I don't have more of this stuff to bandy about and send off if someone nicks it. Parker style, premium schmidt ballpoint refill. Caring for Mammoth Ivory: Fossil ivory or mammoth ivory is sensitive to surrounding temperature and harsh climatic conditions have an adverse impact. Due to its sensitivity to humidity and temperature, when it expands and contracts, it can split due to stress. To protect your ivory, it is recommended that you rub mineral oil twice a year to replenish its natural oils. Renaissance Wax can be used to give it a protective polished shine. Pens that are heavily used may not require this, as the oils from your hand may be sufficient. However, please bear in mind and do not: Ø Spill or put ink on ivory Ø Make the ivory wet Ø Put the ivory in direct sunlight Ø Let the ivory heat up or freeze Ø Expose the ivory to fluctuations in temperature and humidity Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amit 72 Posted May 24, 2012 OHHHHH MYYYYYY GODDDDDD That is amazing, why has god choosen to make me one of the poor people with luxurious tastes. Graman good luck with this one, it is a truly beautiful pen i for now can only dream of owning this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J.Eric 693 Posted May 24, 2012 Wow!! That is amazing!! Definitely one of a kind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
graman 2 Posted May 24, 2012 Cheers mate.....interesting stuff to work with....I prefer timber, but it's still fun Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rav747 0 Posted May 24, 2012 Oh. My. God. The ivory one is just gorgeous. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
watch.aholic 538 Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) Real Mammoth Ivory.....OH MY GOD I swear if I had that lil bit of extra money lying around I'd have bought this as an investment or heirloom. Is it OK to ask if we could see pics of Mazz's pen? Edited May 24, 2012 by watch.aholic Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pollux1 3 Posted May 24, 2012 What a damn time to be out of funds for watches, my hat is off to you Gman, simply beautiful work as usual mate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Member X 91 Posted May 24, 2012 Wow Seriously cool! why has god choosen to make me one of the poor people with luxurious tastes. +1 on that... lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackwins 0 Posted May 24, 2012 HOLY SHIT!!! G. this is the mountaintop of your creations! I must resist!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 994 Posted May 24, 2012 Wow, near as fine a piece as Mazz's. The cracks just add to the aged look so who cares? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
graman 2 Posted May 24, 2012 Thanks guys! Glad you like it Col... I quite like the cracks too... Highlights the age of the thing B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackwins 0 Posted May 24, 2012 PM sent Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dedafmonteur 0 Posted May 24, 2012 What if i send you a whole tooth of a elephant? because i have 2 of them over here.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
graman 2 Posted May 25, 2012 Hey there mate, Thanks..it's very generous, but I don't work with elephant ivory or anything that can be termed endangered, regardless of age. The beauty of Mammoth, is I can maintain it's from an ethical source, and not poached. Appreciate the offer though Cheers, G. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gtwc 1 Posted May 25, 2012 Stunning. Wish I had the dosh !!! Nice work Graman (and congrats to the generous anonymous member). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
graman 2 Posted May 25, 2012 Cheers mate Waiting on confirmation Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackwins 0 Posted May 25, 2012 It is CONFIRMED in a mammoth way!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
graman 2 Posted May 25, 2012 Yep...Sold to Jackwins! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackwins 0 Posted May 25, 2012 Its good to be back home Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackwins 0 Posted May 25, 2012 Thank you... I cant think of a more unique welcome back gift. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Draven451 0 Posted May 30, 2012 beautiful pen! Congrats to the buyer! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jameslowe1 0 Posted June 11, 2012 This is honestly the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I have an ivory bores tusk which I found on safari (and these fuckers are far from endangered), do you reckon you would be able to knock something up like this? I'll have to see how much usable there is though as it's partly hollow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackwins 0 Posted June 11, 2012 I have about 5 pens from G, all very unique and each one is beautiful. However, when I opened the package that contained this mammoth pen I was speechless. The amber streak is too damn cool!!! I received the pen on this past Thursday and havent even done a test write yet. I honestly dont want to write with it. This is a true piece of art that I will hand down to my son. G, bless you! I apologize for not posting any pics, I had to travel out of the country unexpectedly. I'll post some next week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites