Info needed for pipes with ivory

[Ordway]

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Fish and Wildlife Service.

[artificer]

I have to deal with USF&W quite often, although not face to face, and not with something as protected as Ivory.

In my experience they tend to be efficient and helpful- but your piper will need to have their documents in order.
Here are two links with some more info and further linking that might be helpful getting her ducks in a row.
http://www.artsjournal.com/slippeddi...g-the-usa.html
http://www.artsjournal.com/slippeddi...o-the-usa.html

ith:

[Bluescelt]

Thanks all. I will pass on this info and hopefully she can sort out before the international competitions.

[EagleJCS]

There was a big discussion (blowup?!?) on the Dunsire forum about this just recently.

http://forums.bobdunsire.com/forums/...d.php?t=154870

The most important/relevant posts are on page 3 and page 4 by Mike F and Michael New.

In summary, for those not involved in travelling with/buying/selling pipes/musical instruments with ivory, the US has passed legislation that severely restricts any commerce involving ivory. From what I can gather, the way the legislation is worded, anyone selling/transporting anything with ivory must have documented proof of the age of the ivory (pre-ban, circa 1974 ? ).

This is problematic for a lot of musical instruments, especially those that have changed hands several times over the years (not just bagpipes, but other woodwinds, and even pianos). With bagpipes, the maker/style can be documented for age by experts, but the mounts (the 'decorative' bits - that actually have some functionality, though not to the playing of the instrument) could have been added later, though quite often they're concurrent with the original manufacture.

This has repercussions on the sale of inherited instruments as well - what does one do with Granny's antique piano with the ivory keys when the original sales receipt is lost?


For the OP, it might be worthwhile for the young lady to purchase/borrow a set of non-ivory pipes for traveling with, if she doesn't have such a set already. Somewhat costly, yes, but in the short term it alleviates the hassle of having to rush to get all of the appropriate paperwork ready before August. It's also my understanding that there needs to be paperwork for both sides of the 'line' - papers for getting the pipes out and back into the US, PLUS papers from the UK to get the pipes in and back out of the UK.

[StevieR]

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Those are they.

[tulloch]

I have to agree with EagleJCS. We live in a crazy age. Don't risk it. If there were a dispute in an airport the chance of permanent damage being done by an over-zealous inspector could be very regrettable.

[tulloch]

I am listening right now to NPR and they are discussing proposed legislation that would ban all ivory travel. Focusing on musical instruments. Even nuts on mandolins, guitars and banjos would be subject.