Osprey Pandion haliaetus

“Osprey Pandion haliaetus” color scrimshaw on pre-ban African Ivory by Karen Reno. Although she is no longer working, it was well known that Reno was one of the best of her class. She could do anything: nautical, wildlife and nudes. Everything was first class as can be seen here. We do not get many of her pieces as most collectors are loath to part with a Karen Reno creation. This is from the collection of one of our long time clients who is no longer with us. The size of the ivory is quite impressive, by the way. A few facts about the magnificent bird taken from the internet:

• When diving after fish, Ospreys can completely submerge themselves underwater and still be able to fly away with their prey. Most other fish-eating birds of prey can only pluck fish from the surface of the water as they fly by.
• When they dive into the water, Osprey close their third eyelid – called a nictitating membrane – which is semi-transparent. It acts like goggles and helps them see clearly beneath the water.
• When Osprey carry their prey, they always re-position the fish so that its head faces forward in a streamlined position for transporting through the air.

Notice:
This scrimshaw is done on pre-ban African ivory. Since the passage of the CITIES Treaty in 1973, there has been no African ivory brought into the U.S. However, ivory that was in the U.S. prior to 1973 can be legally sold and shipped within the U.S. However, new legislation taking effect in 2016 restricts pre-ban African Ivory from being shipped interstate. It can only legally be shipped intrastate, (within the state). All of our pre-ban ivory is located with our associate in the state of Florida. It can be purchased directly from our website and shipped only to an address within the state of Florida. If one has a relative, trusted friend or business associate within the state of Florida, we can ship to that specified address in order to comply with the new Federal legislation. The scrimshaw can then be forwarded it to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions email or call us.