Europe, 17th to 19th century CE. This is a charming piece that probably belonged to a child from a wealthy family. Before plastic, Europeans had ivory, and they used it for an amazing variety of things that today we make of plastic. This ivory teething ring is in the shape of a collared monkey's head -- with the monkey's mouth holding its own round ring, perhaps to make the child feel better that they were not going through teething alone! Size: 4.35" L x 1.2" W (11 cm x 3 cm).
Bidders should be aware of the changing laws regarding commercialization of ivory and other product containingendangered species both on the Federal and State levels. This lot will be accompanied by a signed affidavit from the client that this object was in the United States prior to January 18, 1990, and is to the best of their knowledge and ability made prior to February 26, 1976 in accordance with Federal law. Ivory cannot be shipped out of the United States or to New York or California. African elephant ivory.
Provenance: Ex-Paul and Louise Bernheimer collection, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA., acquired before 1980.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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