Poljez 8-key Mopane Flute with Ivoirine Head on eBay Monday

Irish Flute
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I have just put my 8-key POLJEZ mopane flute with IVOIRINE head on eBay to start Monday April 6 as listing #171743885122 with a starting price of $995 and a 48-hour trial period with full refund if returned for any reason whatever in the same condition as received.

Please address any questions or comments to me personally rather than in this forum.

Dick Abrams

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I should add that when Pol delivered this flute to me he said it was the last ivoirine head he would ever be able to make as his supply had ended.

Dick Abrams

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Did not sell, high bid was $2135, a grand less than I paid for it.
Dick Abrams

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Is “ivoirine” different from other types of artificial ivory? I haven’t found anything that says otherwise, in which case it’s not at all unusual.

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Interesting point, although no such substance is commercially available. Perhaps you might consider researching the subject a bit further.
Regards,
Dick Abrams

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http://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivoirine
Apparently ivoirine is real ivory dust reconstituted with resin, thus making it a (more) stable material, but grainless. Presumably as such it would be subject to the CITES restrictions, at least in respect of making it, so one can well imagine that commercial sources have dried up. I daresay a craftsperson might be able to make their own given an adequate, legitimate supply of scrap antique ivory and whatever equipment is necessary. Probably not worthwhile!

Edit (crossed with Feadoggie below).
Some further research on the French usage suggests the term “ivoirine” may also be used more generally for ivory substitutes/anything which looks somewhat similar to ivory, so it may in the context of this flute/Pol Jezequel’s use be actual Ivorine (brand name?) or a no-longer-available French equivalent.

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Yeah, I think it is. The term is likely used for a variety of plastics depending on the era you are talking about. I think the name was applied to cellulose nitrate based plastics long ago. That stuff is probably extinct now with good reason (flamable and a carcinogen). But as material science advanced I believe the term has been applied to newer and hopefully less volatile materials. Ivorine 4 is supposed to be very tough stuff - carbide only.

Ivorine 4 ™ is used by pool cue makers as a butt material and to reinforce the cue’s joint. It is also used frequently by fly rod makers.

Ivorine 4 ™ is available in rod form from Atlas Billiard Supply and other US cue making supply houses AFAIK. https://www.cuestik.com/store/product.asp?DEPARTMENT_ID=170&ITEM_ID=5903 It is available in Europe from Elforyn. http://www.elforyn.de/en/billiard-supplies/rods-und-tubes/ivorine/744/ivorine-4-solid-rod

I do not know who makes Ivorine 4. I don’t use it. I am happy enough with softer ivory substitutes. Natural Delrin works as a headjoint material. The color isn’t right in the context of a vintage instrument but hey…

X-Posted with Jem.

Feadoggie

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See edit in my previous post.