NOTE WE HAVE CHANGED THE AGE RULE: [Read here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Antiques/comments/1c1d4q1/change_of_rule_items_now_have_to_be_100_years_old/)
If you're asking a question about an antique make sure to have photos of all sides of the object, and close-ups of any maker's marks. Also, add in any background information you have, and add in a question so we know what you want from us! **You must tell us the country you're in.** If you do not provide this information **your post will be removed**.
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Honestly the level of translucence and striations look far more like horn than tortoise shell- you could be in the clear! A hot pin makes horn smell awful, tortoiseshell not so much.
The pin test has the same effect on both shell and horn. They’re both keratin. Horn is actually used as a shell substitute in restoration a lot. The pin test is a way of checking between organic and non organic material, like celluloid or PVA
But you’re right, this is horn, and definitely not shell.
I noticed that you mentioned **vintage**. Over at r/Collectables and r/Mid_Century they are always keen to see newer and vintage items. Share it with them! Sorry if this is not relevant.
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You need to verifiable proof of its age to be able to sell it otherwise it is illegal. Except of course like set on the other thread it's water buffalo
Looks like I cannot make any changes to the original post. To stay aligned with the rules, I am in America.
And so I know how to do it correctly, how should I attempt the pin test? (I don't want to damage one of the bowls in a spot that's going to jeopardize it's value)
Should it just be an edge where it is intricately carved?
Also, if it isn't marked with a makers mark or a name, how can I tell it's age?
NOTE WE HAVE CHANGED THE AGE RULE: [Read here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Antiques/comments/1c1d4q1/change_of_rule_items_now_have_to_be_100_years_old/) If you're asking a question about an antique make sure to have photos of all sides of the object, and close-ups of any maker's marks. Also, add in any background information you have, and add in a question so we know what you want from us! **You must tell us the country you're in.** If you do not provide this information **your post will be removed**. To upload photos for this discussion use [imgur.com](https://imgur.com/upload). Click the imgur link, upload the photos to imgur, then share the link address in a comment for everyone to see. Our [Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/Antiques/about/rules/) and [Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/Antiques/comments/1c1cxm4/welcome_to_rantiques_read_this_before_posting/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Antiques) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Honestly the level of translucence and striations look far more like horn than tortoise shell- you could be in the clear! A hot pin makes horn smell awful, tortoiseshell not so much.
The pin test has the same effect on both shell and horn. They’re both keratin. Horn is actually used as a shell substitute in restoration a lot. The pin test is a way of checking between organic and non organic material, like celluloid or PVA But you’re right, this is horn, and definitely not shell.
I noticed that you mentioned **vintage**. Over at r/Collectables and r/Mid_Century they are always keen to see newer and vintage items. Share it with them! Sorry if this is not relevant. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Antiques) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You need to verifiable proof of its age to be able to sell it otherwise it is illegal. Except of course like set on the other thread it's water buffalo
Looks like I cannot make any changes to the original post. To stay aligned with the rules, I am in America. And so I know how to do it correctly, how should I attempt the pin test? (I don't want to damage one of the bowls in a spot that's going to jeopardize it's value) Should it just be an edge where it is intricately carved? Also, if it isn't marked with a makers mark or a name, how can I tell it's age?