Yes nice work and mammoth looks good and just like elephant ivory - if ypou plan to travel I hope customs can tell the difference
Most makers turn out this standard or better although there are a few who just do not seem to have the eye for ascetics
Names - No we are not going there 
It’s really easy to tell mammoth from elephant. Take a look here.
You can even tell in the fly picture above that the ivory is mammoth.
Stuart
From my experience I find it hard to believe that all customs officers are trained to spot mammoth as opposed to elephant ivory
Seem to recall stories of the eskimos using tea to stain fresh ivory to look antique.
Where would the Inuit (they don’t like the term Eskimo) get fresh ivory? Are you suggesting that they get in their sea kayaks, paddle from the Arctic Circle to Central Africa, poach elephants, then paddle back with the kayak full of tusks stopping on the way at Tesco’s to get their duty free allowance of PG Tips?
I think Geoff Wooff “aged” some ivory with tea when he restored the Coyne set that Nollaig MacCarthaigh received.
US Fish and Wildlife Service has published at least one guide for agents as to recognizing various ivories, including mammoth. In most cases it can be told apart easily (and not just by color), and agents in the official ports of entry for CITES permits, at least, should have received training on this subject. They would probably have to consult their notes, but if the issue were raised, the above materials are available to the agents.
In many cases all you need is a UV light, if it isn’t obvious on inspection.
Bill
P.S. yes, one wonders what some people have stuck up their bores…
PJ wrote:
Where would the Inuit (they don’t like the term Eskimo) get fresh ivory?
I’m guessing maybe walrus or narwhal ivory.
That would make sense, but the question was about elephant and mammoth ivory.
Elmek wrote:
Seem to recall stories of the eskimos using tea to stain fresh ivory to look antique.
PJ wrote:
Where would the Inuit (they don’t like the term Eskimo) get fresh ivory?
and
That would make sense, but the question was about elephant and mammoth ivory.
Sorry, I guess it’s my misinterpretation of which question. 
I don’t know but I’ve been told. Inuit ivory is mighty cold. 
Sturob that is a beautiful set. Mr. Hubbert has done it again
Jamie
Waiting…Waiting…Waiting… one of these days
The shape of the keys are very simalar to the shape of the keys on Geoff Wooff sets .
Putting that shape keys on a concert pitch set is like putting a roof rack on a ferrari , its just not right !!!
I wasn’t going to comment, but forces unknown to myself led me to shout out loud,
It’s doesn’t matter shag all what shape the keys are.
Are you willing to tell moderns makers that Egan, Coyne, Moloney, Dunn, Reid, et al. were putting roof racks on horse boxes too…
Your allowed to have an opinion but you’re not qualified to say
its just not right !!!
If you think it’s not right, well then you’re wrong again.
Tommy
I think the keys and set are lovely Sturob…I like the looks of Michael’s work. No reason at all why a concert pitch set can’t look that good, any good artisan puts the same effort into all their work regardless of pitch.
So if I understand the assertion correctly, traditional 18th century and early 19th century-style keywork is only appropriate for flat sets? So concert sets must have Taylor-style flat sheetmetal keywork? Or keywork like clarinets? I don’t agree at all. Hubbert has a real eye and feel for the look of early instruments (he made Baroque bassoons and flutes) and his pipes reflect that. I think that they are flat-out the best-looking pipes being made today. And they play great too!
No, I’ve decided that as soon as the pipes arrive I’m pulling off all the keywork and melting it down for scrap.
Stuart
Good man.
Replace the keys with spoons for they are part of the tradishun.
Mukade
Yup every time I’ve played one of his instruments, I keep saying that… so easy…
God between the photos I’ve seen of his stuff and the glowing endorsements I’m tempted to write the man. I’ve seen some more photos of other sets he’s done and they’re all gorgeous. He’s got a good talent for photography too. And if they play as well as they look, then…
You guys need to get out and learn some stuff. Walrus, hrumph. Here’s a pic that should dispel any doubts about where the Inuit get their ivory and why you should always avoid pipes described as having “Eskimo Finishing”
WAIT A MINUTE, HOLMES!!!
Here’s an older one. The evidence cannot be denied. Didn’t the Taylor brothers spend time in Yellowknife?
