It's a complicated question with no easy answer. The resounding answer from most experts seems to be "no", but it's not a definitive no. The simple answer is that it's illegal to sell ivory piano keys in the United States, and most other countries have similar laws. There are some exceptions, such as if the ivory is a part of a vintage piano or if it's been permanently affixed to the piano. Even then, it's a risky proposition and not something we would recommend.
The more complicated answer has to do with the fact that ivory is a material that has been used in piano keys for centuries. It's a beautiful material that has a unique look and feel. Because of this, there is a small, but thriving, market for vintage ivory piano keys. The problem is that the market for ivory piano keys is also illegal.
The trade in ivory is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This treaty, which was signed by 180 countries, including the United States, went into effect in 1975. CITES Shut down the legal ivory trade and made it illegal to buy or sell ivory. The only exception is for "worked" ivory, which includes objects that have been carved, or inlaid with ivory, as long as they were made before 1947.
The CITES treaty was created in response to the declining populations of African elephants. Elephants were being slaughtered for their ivory tusks at an alarming rate. The treaty was successful in slowing the decline of elephant populations, but it did not stop the illegal trade in ivory.
Today, the majority of ivory on the market is illegal. It comes from elephants that have been killed in the wild, or from captive elephants that have been killed for their ivory. The illegal ivory trade is contributing to the decline of elephants in the wild.
If you are thinking about buying ivory piano keys, we urge you to think twice. Not only is it illegal, but you are also contributing to the decline of one of the world's most iconic animals.
How many ivory piano keys can you sell?
There are a variety of factors to consider when trying to answer the question of "How many ivory piano keys can you sell?" One must first take into account the size and weight of an ivory piano key in order to calculate how many could fit in a given space. The type of ivory piano key also must be taken into consideration, as there are grand, upright, and spinet keys. The value of an ivory piano key also ranges depending on its age and quality. In some cases, a single key can be worth up to $1,000.
When it comes to transportation and shipping, it is important to keep in mind that ivory is a illegal to trade in many countries. This means that any ivory must be shipped through registered channels in order to avoid penalties. Depending on the country of origin, there may also be tariffs and other taxes that must be paid on ivory.
Assuming that all the necessary legal requirements can be met, then the number of ivory piano keys that can be sold is really only limited by the amount of space and money that the seller has. With the current price of ivory, it is possible to generate a significant amount of money from selling just a few keys.
Why do people buy ivory piano keys?
There are a few reasons why people might buy ivory piano keys. For some, it may be because they appreciate the look and feel of ivory, which can add a certain level of elegance to a piano. Others may believe that ivory keys will improve the sound quality of their instrument. And then there are those who simply enjoy the fact that they are owning a piece of history – after all, ivory has been used to make piano keys for centuries.
Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that ivory piano keys are a popular choice for many pianists. But with the global trade in ivory now banned, how are people able to get their hands on these coveted keys?
There are two ways. The first is to buy keys that were made before the trade ban came into effect in 1989. These keys are often referred to as ‘legal ivory’, and can be bought from antique dealers or piano specialist companies. The second way is to buy so-called ‘illegal ivory’, which has been sourced from elephants that have been killed more recently. This ivory is often smuggled into the country and sold on the black market.
The trade in illegal ivory is fuelling the ongoing slaughter of elephants across Africa. Every year, around 20,000 elephants are killed for their tusks, and at this rate they could be extinct in the wild within our lifetime.
So, if you’re considering buying ivory piano keys, please think about the implications of your purchase. Your money could be fuelling the destruction of one of the world’s most iconic animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to sell a piano with ivory keys?
No, it is not illegal to sell a piano with ivory keys. However, many pianos that were manufactured before 1989 may contain un-tested or illegal amounts of ivory. If you are uncertain whether or not your piano contains any ivory, it is best to consult with a qualified technician.
What can I do with my ivory keys?
The best thing to do with ivory keys is to give them to your piano technician. Many times a technician will keep some ivory key tops with them in case one needs to be replaced on a piano.
Where can I find ivory piano keys?
Piano keys that are made of ivory are often very expensive and can be difficult to find. Piano technicians and merchants may have a surplus of ivory keytops available for purchase or free distribution.
How can you tell if a piano is made of Ivory?
The other indicator of whether a piano is made of ivory is the colour of the keys, which will often be very yellow and usually allows you to roughly tell the age of the piano by how dark they are. Some ivory keys will be a dark brown, whereas some will be more of a light yellowish shade.
Can you sell or buy ivory piano keys?
No, you cannot sell or buy ivory piano keys.
