MADAM – As a dealer (and collector) in antique needlework tools and other small collectables, I am dismayed and angered by the proposals for the ivory ban as outlined in detail in last week’s ATG.
Many of my customers have built up quite substantial collections and ivory, particularly that carved in Dieppe in the early 19th century, forms a significant part.
Are they to suddenly find their collections, in which they have invested considerable amounts of money, are now worthless? What compensation has the government earmarked for them, and dealers like myself, who sell currently legal (pre- 1947 and mostly pre-1847!) ivory?