Bone is the hard tissue forming the skeletons of animals, and it has been used since prehistoric times as a carving material for tools, ornaments and decorative objects. In antiques it appears in cutlery handles, sewing tools, needle cases, dominoes, gaming counters, buttons, inlay, fan sticks, carved figures and the famous ship models made by Napoleonic prisoners of war.
Bone was a cheaper and more widely available alternative to ivory, and it can be carved, turned, stained and polished in similar ways. It is usually distinguished from ivory by small dark dots and streaks, which are the remains of blood vessels and are visible under magnification, whereas ivory shows a fine cross-hatched or engine-turned grain. Cattle bone was the most common source, while whalebone was used for scrimshaw and corset busks. Collectors look for fine, crisp carving, original colour and an even, mellow patina, and they should be alert to cracking caused by dry conditions. Bone objects are generally free of the trade restrictions that apply to ivory, but correct identification is important when buying and selling.
