Victorian Parasol with Carved Bone or Ivory Handle

[waywardangler]

I too would be hesitant to put much if any force on the ivory.  If the heat (as I described previous) does not easily break the old glue bond, I would leave it alone.  I would not use a solvent.  If it would happen to be a wood glue used (doubtful) such as Elmer's or Titebond, vinegar will soften that.  It does take time though.

[cogar]

I agree with what Waywardangler added to my “fix-it” directions. And actually, if I were fixing it I would use a hardwood dowel pin instead of the “allthread” because a dowel pin will “flex” a wee bit if pressure was put on the joint when one was using the parasol, aka: a gust of wind. But, replacing the “allthread” with a dowel pin requires a bit more expertise to insure that the handle is straight when the epoxy hardens. And you only get “one shot” at it and if it’s wrong, you got to drill it out and do it again.   

If the “allthread” wiggles, it should un-screw. And I can’t imagine it being glued in there. If the holes were drilled slightly “undersized” then the “allthread” would cut its own threads into the ivory when screwed into the holes. Whoever repaired it first, knew what they were doing because ……. NO WAY could an amateur drill those “matching holes” in the two (2) handle pieces. I’m fairly sure that it was done by a machinist using a lathe or a boring machine.

So, the “wiggly” end of the handle should un-screw and if the “allthread” is stubborn at coming out of the other piece then one can heat up the end with the nuts on it with a propane torch or whatever and then use the wrench to twist it out. Just wrap the handle with several layers of cloth and secure it “snuggly” in a vice before doing so.

Tales, take it to a Machine Shop and they will re-fix for you. Have them put a nylon (or whatever) dowel pin back in it and it will then be stronger than the original.

[talesofthesevenseas]

I hadn't thought of talking to a machine shop. Let me think on it if I already know any machinists. I used to know plenty, I might know on who might still be around. That might be a good place to start.

[regularjoe2]

I wouldn't use any of the described methods for permanent repair just yet , if it were mine .

I've had a couple of ivory items with metal repairs that i had restored , by pros (with a little help from me) .

I know a dentist who gave me some x-rays at a very reasonable rate , to actually determine the extent of the first repair(s) .
This same dentist sold me UV activated glue (which is used on human dental work - very tough stuff) for the ivory carver (who did the actual restoration) to use ... this carver used only ivory mat'l for the repair , and the dental adhesive .
He now uses this type of glue , almost exclusively , for repairs .

I'd check around the Bay area for some Inuit craftsman/woman who carves ivory (also perhaps in the Tibetan community) , to give input or to give estimates on repair .
Maybe the Antique dealer who I.D.'d it for you may also have a craftsman 'in his pocket' .

You've got a nicely carved piece of Ivory that deserves a proper repair , should your budget allow it .

I just don't think it's a good idea to go to a carpenter for a welding job , if you get my drift .

[talesofthesevenseas]

I did ask the ivory antique store guy and he said he didn't know of anyone. I bet I could find someone up around San Francisco. An x-ray is a good idea, I bet my dentist would be willing to do that if I asked. I think it would help anyone who might attempt a repair to know what was going on inside. I think this is probably something I won't do immediately, but I agree it does look to be worthy of investing some money to have it done right. I could do it in stages.

[regularjoe2]

Now you're cookin' with gas , talesofthe7cs' !

[talesofthesevenseas]

LOL! 

I really want to thank all you guys for spending so much time on this one. I really learned a lot from you guys. With all my stuff going on I probably won't be doing the repair soon, but when I do, I'll post it.

[KC]

Like the xray idea.  Too bad you aren't in my neck of the woods....I have a friend that would have done it!